The J - Detroit

PEOPLE FIRST With Gesher Human Services: Opening Reception
2025-08-17 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | Janice Charach Gallery 6600 W Maple Rd,, West Maple Road 6600, Michigan, 48322, United States
PEOPLE FIRST With Gesher Human Services
August 17 – September 17
Opening reception Sunday, August 17, 1-4 PM
Awards Night September 11, 5:30 PM
Visit us at the Janice Charach Gallery for "PEOPLE FIRST," an
exhibition that highlights the unique artistic journeys and worldviews of
participants in Gesher Human Services’ Creative Expressions Program,
underscoring their commitment to putting people first.
“PEOPLE FIRST” features artists from Gesher Human Services’ Creative
Expressions Program. They partner with local arts organizations like the
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to give
people with disabilities the opportunity to be creative artists, musicians,
writers, and performers. This exhibition is a showcase of the work
participants have made over the past year.
The projects featured in this exhibition showcase each artists’ unique
personality and view of the world. It’s important to share the artist’s
voices, because at Gesher, people come first in everything they do.
Multiple special projects have been planned for this exhibition, including a
32ft x 8ft Sukkah mural, a showcase musical performance by Clubhouse for the
Common Good members in collaboration with Detroit Symphony Orchestra
musicians, a poetry book release, unique merchandise, and much more.
EXHIBIT SPONSORS: Manat Foundation, Doris Shulman, Esther Hankin, Dr. Judy
Balan Pearl, Sue & Alan Jay Kaufman Foundation
PROGRAM SPONSORS: Philip & Jeannie Bakst Elkus Philanthropic Fund, Lesley &
Dr. Barry Feldman, Judy & Dr. John Marx, Arlene & Jack Schultz
For more on exhibits and events, visit
(https://charachgallery.org/).
OPEN HOURS DURING EXHIBITS:
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday – 10 am – 4 pm
Thursday – 11 am – 7 pm
Closed September 1st, Labor Day
*Visit the website or social media for up-to-date information & holiday
closures.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11978

SHOP Strollers to Stilettos: Tickets Available Now!
2025-09-07 09:00 - 15:00 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience featuring trendy
women’s resale, adorable kids’ gear, unique local vendors, family-focused
services, and the perfect holiday gifts — all under one roof!
Sneak peek of what you’ll find:
🛍️ Fashion & accessories: Vintage & modern women’s clothing, jewelry,
permanent jewelry, charm bars, and more
🧸 Kids & family: Sensory play, STEAM kits, children’s books, slime &
playdough jars, birthday party offerings, and early childhood programs
🏡 Home & lifestyle: Handmade knit goods, seasonal décor, crafts, 3D
printing, and personalized gifts
🍴 Food & treats: Playa Bowls, The Great Greek, sweet treats, clean eats,
coffee bars, and holiday ordering for the season
🧘‍♀️ Wellness & enrichment: Chiropractic care, holistic healing, mental
health support, color analysis sessions, skincare products, and creative
classes
👶👵 From stroller babes to stylish grandmas — all ages are welcome!
Early Bird Shopping : $10
Exclusive early shopping access where you can score the hottest finds before
they fly off the rack!
Join us at 9:00 AM!
General Admission: $5
Join us from 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM to shop!
Kids 12 and under are free!
Please note that all tickets are non-refundable
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12061

Schuler Book Days
2025-10-26 00:00 - 2025-11-01 00:00 | Schuler Books West Bloomfield 7260 Orchard Lake Rd,
Sunday, October 26 – Saturday, November 1, 2025
Support Book Fair by snagging your next great read at the local bookstore
during Schuler Book Days. Every purchase helps write the next story __for our
programs.
Mention ‘The J Detroit’ when shopping in store and use coupon code
JCCMD when making on-line purchases to benefit The J!
Visit our partner at (https://schulerbooks.com)
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12850

Weekly Knitting with Rochelle Imber (former owner of Knit Knit Knit!)
2025-10-28 12:30 - 2026-10-27 14:00 | Janice Charach Gallery 6600 W Maple Rd,, West Maple Road 6600, Michigan, 48322, United States
Pre-register here OR RSVP to Rosa Chessler:
([REDACTED]/) or
248.432.5418
Tuesdays 12:30 – 2 PM
$10 per class, or $40 for 5 classes if you pre-register**
Join us for a brand-new knitting adventure at the J with the fabulous
Rochelle Imber, beloved former owner of Knit Knit Knit! Whether you’re a
seasoned stitcher or just picking up needles (or hooks!) for the first time,
this class is your cozy creative corner. Rochelle brings her passion,
experience, and eye for design to help you:
-Fine-tune your current knitting or crochet projects
-Design fun, easy-to-make pieces from scratch
-Learn the basics if you’re brand new to the craft
Come schmooze, show off your handiwork, swap stories, and connect with fellow
yarn lovers. Rochelle will share insider tips, demonstrate new techniques, and
keep the joy of crafting alive and vibrant.
*Don’t forget your yarn stash! Bring your own materials and tools, Rochelle is ready to help you turn it into something beautiful. But if it’s your first time, we’ll have some materials to help you get started.
**Purchase a punch card to attend up to 5 classes.__Card is good
through March 2026.****
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13134

Storied. The Reggae Session with special guest Matisyahu
2025-11-01 20:00 - 22:00 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
STORIED is back at The Berman with The Reggae Session. Join us for an
extraordinary concert experience that delves into the rich tapestry of Jewish
culture and its connections to reggae. This unique event promises to weave
together music, storytelling, and community, celebrating the profound
influence and contributions of Jewish artists and fans to this iconic music
genre.
The concert will feature a special guest, international star Matisyahu.
For nearly two decades, Matisyahu has kept his creative spirit aflame by
evolving his sound, melding genres, and testing the limits of the musical
traditions that have inspired him. His latest release, Hold the Fire, and its
leadoff single "Fireproof" takes inspiration from a dream inspired by
Matisyahu’s Old Testament religion, which has meant so much to his spiritual
and creative life since his recording career began in 2004 and his breakout
"King Without a Crown" blasted into the Billboard charts in 2005.
This concert will spotlight different aspects of Jewish identity as it
intersects with the genre’s ethos, exploring themes of community,
spirituality, and resilience.
“Music has always been a bridge between cultures, and…music resonates deeply
throughout the Jewish experience,” says Benji Rosenzweig, STORIED. Co-
Creator and host of the evening. “We are excited to continue creating a space
where these stories can be heard and celebrated through the universal language
of music.”
This unforgettable evening promises a journey through music and storytelling
as we honor the bonds between Jewish culture and reggae. In a setting similar
to MTV _ Unplugged _meets VH1 Storytellers , the band and Benji will go
back and forth between storytelling and music. Don’t miss out on this fourth
session of STORIED, a concert series audiences are raving about:
“This program was great. The music was AMAZING. We were all rocking out and
they could not have been more fabulous. I loved all the stories!” – anonymous
Grunge Session attendee
Funded with support from Eli Saulson and the Directors’ Discretionary Fund
of The William Davidson Foundation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12531

Curious George at The J!
2025-11-09 15:00 - 17:30 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd,
Monkey Around with Curious George
A JKids and Families Event at the Detroit Jewish Book Fair in partnership
with The Berman Center for the Performing Arts
Sunday, November 9 | 3:00–5:30 PM
The Berman Center for the Performing Arts – The J
$18 per family | General Admission Seating
﻿
Get ready for a delightful afternoon of storytelling, creativity, and fun at
this special family event celebrating Curious George, the beloved little
monkey with a big sense of adventure!
Start your visit with hands-on craft activities and snacks, then settle into
the theater for a one-of-a-kind experience with a real monkey beginning at
3:15 PM. Afterward, enjoy a screening of the animated Curious George
movie on the big screen. When the credits roll, capture a memorable photo with
the Man in the Yellow Hat and browse a pop-up shop with Curious George books
available for purchase.
Did you know?Curious George was created by Jewish authors Margret and
H.A. Rey, who fled Europe during World War II with the original manuscript
tucked in a bicycle basket—a remarkable story of resilience and creativity
behind this beloved character.
This is the perfect experience for children, parents, grandparents, and all
caregivers to enjoy together. Bring your whole crew and celebrate books,
family, and curiosity with us!
Reserve your spot today. Space is limited and this event is sure to sell
out!
About the movie: Animated monkeyshines about the impish chimp, who leaves his
natural habitat and journeys to the big city to help his human pal save a
museum. Adapted from the kid-lit classics.
Rating: G
Runtime: 86 minutes
Cast: Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore, David Cross, Eugene Levy, Joan Plowright
Thank you to our sponsor Goldfish Swim School West Bloomfield for making this
event possible.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12348

The J Summer Pool Passes 2026
2026-02-16 00:00 - 2026-09-11 00:00 | The J’s Outdoor Pool 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township
POOL OPENS SUNDAY, MAY 24! Get Your Pool Passes for Summer 2026!
2026 POOL PRICING
Single $449
Couple $549
Family (2 adults & 5 children in household) $599
Add-on children to family package $50
Add-on adult to family package $150
Pricing includes access to lap lane reservations, pool, walking track, table
tennis, & training room.
DAY PASSES
Monday-Friday: $15/person
Weekends + Holidays: $20/person
Day pass price includes access to pool, walking track, table tennis, &
training room.
Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times
Infants are free
LAP LANE RESERVATIONS
Lap lanes must be reserved in advance to secure a 55 minute session.
Individuals will not be able to sign up for more than one lane per day.
Guests who purchase day passes can use a lap lane if it is available, but
cannot reserve a lap lane in advance.
POOL HOURS
Pool is open from Sunday, May 24 – Friday, September 11
Monday-Sunday
May: 8 AM – 7 PM
June: 8 AM – 7 PM
July: 7 AM – 8 PM
August: 7 AM – 8 PM
September: 8 AM – 6 PM
HOLIDAY HOURS
Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day:
8 AM – 4 PM
*The J is subject to host private events at the pool that may cause early closure times.
The Grille will be open & serving all summer!
Grille Hours: Monday-Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM
No coolers or outdoor food permitted on pool deck – exception of small snacks
and drinks.
Expect grille closures if inclement weather persists.
Do you work at a Jewish Agency?
You’re entitled to a discount! Please email
([REDACTED]?subject=&body=) to
inquire if you qualify.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14779

The Berman Cinema - Upcoming Showings!
2026-04-23 00:00 - 2026-09-01 00:00 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
Come enjoy movies that are meant to be seen on the big screen at The
Berman!
The J is providing a curated collection of films featuring classics, newer
releases, independent, and international movies. Check out new cinematic
offerings monthly as we cultivate a new experience for our community,
moviegoers, and families.
See our listings by clicking on the Get Tickets button!
Films curated and brought to you by the departments of The J – The Berman
Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit Jewish Film Fest, J Kids & Families,
and SAJE.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15645

Mosaic Pendant Workshop with Sue Majewski
2026-06-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Janice Charach Gallery 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
Join artist Sue Majewski for a hands-on workshop where you’ll design and craft
your own stunning mosaic necklace pendant!
Using an extensive assortment of colorful beads and mosaic materials in
various shapes and sizes, you will learn to build a custom design within your
choice of pendant frame.
Sue will guide you through the process step-by-step, sharing the techniques
she uses to create her signature fine-art pieces. To ensure your wearable art
lasts a lifetime, each pendant is finished with a professional epoxy resin.
Complete your piece with an included black cord, or take it home to add to
your favorite personal chain.
Registration deadline: Sunday, June 7
OPEN HOURS DURING EXHIBITS:
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday – 10 am – 4 pm
Thursday – 11 am – 7 pm
*Visit the website or social media for up-to-date information & holiday
closures.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15438

Glass Lecture with Alli Hoag: 6th Michigan Regional Glass Exhibit
2026-06-14 15:30 - 17:30 | Janice Charach Gallery 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
6th Michigan Regional Glass Exhibition 2026
Exhibit Dates: May 3 – June 24, 2026
Opening Reception: Sunday, May 3, 1 – 4 p.m.
Hot Glass Demonstration by Herb Babcock: Sunday, May 17, 1:30 PM
Lecture by Alli Hoag: Sunday, June 14, 3:30 PM
Artist Talk: Sunday, June 7, 2 PM
Join us for a glass lecture with artist Alli Hoag. Alli works across mediums
of glass, installation, video, and performance to investigate human desire to
connect with the unknowable, and to reveal the simultaneous lightness and
heaviness that is created when the imagined or invisible is labored into the
physical realm. She completed her BFA degree in Glass at University of Hawaii
at Manoa, graduated with a Master’s in fine art from New York State College of
Ceramics at Alfred University, and currently serves as Associate Professor of
Glass and Glass Area Head at Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green,
OH.
Registration required.
Special Feature in the Upper Gallery:“Tchotchke” — A tribute to Albert
Young, legendary artist and founder of Michigan Hot Glass. This showcase
brings to life an exhibit concept he envisioned before his passing.
Artist Spotlight: (TBD)
Exhibit Sponsors :
Dr. Judy Balan Pearl, Prudence Bernstein Trust, Esther Hankin, Rebecca & Fred
Hankin, Helene & Arthur Indianer, Manat Foundation, Nancy & Sam Shamie
Program Sponsors:
Judy & Dr. John Marx, Arlene & Jack Schultz
For more on exhibits and events, visit
(https://charachgallery.org/).
OPEN HOURS DURING EXHIBITS:
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday – 10 am – 4 pm
Thursday – 11 am – 7 pm
*Visit the website or social media for up-to-date information & holiday
closures.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15435

Indigo Dyed Shibori Challah Covers
2026-08-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Janice Charach Gallery 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
Fiber on the Edge
Exhibit Dates: July 26 – September 2, 2026
Opening Reception: Sunday, July 26, 1 – 4 PM
Artist Talk: Sunday, August 30, 2 PM
Indigo is one of the oldest dyes in human history, prized across civilizations
for its deep, soulful, living blues. Join us for an exciting, hands-on
afternoon where ancient global craft meets modern Jewish tradition.
In this creative workshop, we will explore the beautiful concept of hiddur
mitzvah —beautifying the commandment—by transforming raw fabric into an
heirloom-quality, one-of-a-kind Challah cover for your Shabbat table.
Using Shibori , the exquisite Japanese art of resist-dyeing, you will
learn how to fold, bind, twist, and clamp fabric to unlock breathtaking
geometric patterns. As we dip our textiles into a rich, organic indigo vat,
you’ll watch the magic of oxidation turn your fabric from bright green to
brilliant blue right before your eyes.
We will gather to chat about the rich history of indigo, the significance of
the Challah cover, and the profound, mystical symbolism of the color blue
(Tekhelet) in Jewish tradition.
You’ll leave not just with a gorgeous piece of functional ritual art, but with
a deeper connection to the vibrant colors of our heritage.
Registration required.
Exhibit Sponsors :
Manat Foundation, Prudence Bernstein Trust, Nancy Wanchik, Esther Hankin
For more on exhibits and events, visit
(https://charachgallery.org/).
NEW! OPEN HOURS DURING EXHIBITS:
Tuesday – 10 AM – 4 PM
Thursday – 11 AM – 7 PM
Sunday, Wednesday by appointment
*Visit the website or social media for up-to-date information & holiday closures.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/16182

Fiber on the Edge Artist Talk
2026-08-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Janice Charach Gallery, The J 6600 West Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Twp
Fiber on the Edge
Exhibit Dates: July 26 – September 2, 2026
Opening Reception: Sunday, July 26, 1 – 4 PM
Artist Talk: Sunday, August 30, 2 PM
Hear the inspiration from the artists themselves! Fiber on the Edge pushes the
boundaries of craft, unifying traditional fiber techniques into an avant-garde
sensory experience. Curated by Susan Aaron-Taylor, this exhibition features
visionary artists taking fibers into the future. By fusing alternative
materials with striking mixed media, exploring both traditional and
experimental 2D and 3D techniques, and prioritizing conceptual depth, these
creators challenge our understanding of structure and form. Witness fiber
pushed to its absolute limit.
Artist Spotlight: Ed Good
Registration required
Exhibit Sponsors :
Manat Foundation, Prudence Bernstein Trust, Nancy Wanchik, Esther Hankin
For more on exhibits and events, visit
(https://charachgallery.org/)
OPEN HOURS DURING EXHIBITS:
Tuesday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Thursday: 11 AM – 7 PM
Sunday and Wednesday by appointment only
*Visit the website or social media for up-to-date information & holiday closures.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/16187
