The J - Detroit

Detroit Jewish Film Festival: The Ring
2025-05-08 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd,
Drama / Israel, Hungary / Hebrew and Hungarian with English subtitles / 120
minutes
Arnon Noble, a devout man with a strong bond to his mother, a Holocaust
survivor, embarks on a journey to Hungary with his estranged daughter to seek
a legendary ring that once saved her life. Written by and starring Ophir
Award-winning actor and beloved stand-up comedian Adir Miller, The Ring is
based on his own family’s story of Holocaust survival.
Presented by The Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival
Sponsors: CHAIM-Children of Holocaust Survivors Association in Michigan;
The Voice/Vision Holocaust Survivor Oral History Archive
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11189

Women of The J : Bad Shabbos
2025-05-08 17:30 - 20:45 | The J – Detroit 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township
A Shabbat so good, we’re doing it Thursday!
Come for the wine, stay for the whodunit at ‘Bad Shabbos’ and bring an
alibi.
Begin your night with a strolling Shabbat-themed dinner in the Janice Charach
Gallery, then make your way to the Berman Theater where the Jewish Film
Festival will show Bad Shabbos , a dark comedy starring Kyra Sedgwick.
Watch as a simple Shabbat dinner spirals into a delightful disaster, filled
with unexpected twists and irreverent laughs. Don’t forget to bring an alibi.
Date: Thursday, May 8
5:30 PM – Strolling Shabbat Dinner & Wine in the Janice Charach Gallery
7:00 PM – Film "Bad Shabbos" in The Berman Theater
Co Chairs: Dana Jacob, Michal Nodel, Sophia Roslin
Cost : $52
RSVP by May 1.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11374

Detroit Jewish Film Festival: Bad Shabbos with Comedy Short Sauna Dreams
2025-05-08 19:00 - 21:30 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd,
Comedy / USA / English / 84 minutes
David and his fiancée Meg attend a Shabbat dinner at his mother’s house to
introduce her Catholic parents to his Jewish family. When a turn of events
leads to a frantic cover-up, the evening spirals into darkly comedic chaos.
Uproariously funny with a cast featuring Emmy-winner Kyra Sedgwick, Method
Man, and David Paymer, Bad Shabbos is filled with twists, turns, and laughs
you won’t see coming!
Talkback with Rabbi Blair Nosanwisch, Adat Shalom Synagogue, and Rabbi
Yonatan Dahlen, Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
Sponsor: B’nai B’rith Great Lakes Region; ORT America Michigan Region;
Women of the J; Jlive
Before the feature short film: Sauna Dreams
Comedy Short / USA / English / 18 minutes
This mockumentary follows Dave Roffman, a schlub from New York, on his quest
to win the 2023 World Sauna Championships in Detroit. Watch for a brief
appearance by local actor David Shevrin, who shows up in a towel, though his
lines were left on the cutting room floor.
Presented by The Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival
Sponsor: The Schvitz
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11190

Detroit Jewish Film Festival: Midas Man
2025-05-11 16:00 - 18:00 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd,
Biopic / UK / English / 112 minutes
Witness the rise of Brian Epstein, the visionary manager who catapulted The
Beatles from a scrappy Liverpool band into global rock legends. The film
details Epstein’s belief in The Beatles and the sacrifices he made to help
them achieve fame. Midas Man features a star-making turn by Jacob Fortune-
Lloyd (The Queen’s Gambit), alongside dynamic performances by Emily Watson,
Jay Leno, and Eddie Izzard.
Presented by The Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival
Sponsors: Burton A. Zipser & Sandra D. Zipser Foundation and Hampton Inn
Southfield/West Bloomfield; Home 2 Suites West Bloomfield; The Berman
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/11191

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

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

HEBREW LEVEL 1: Learn to Read Hebrew - with Dorit Series 1 of 2
2025-09-16 10:30 - 11:45, 2025-09-30 10:30 - 11:45, 2025-10-21 10:30 - 11:45, 2025-10-28 10:30 - 11:45, 2025-11-04 10:30 - 11:45, 2025-11-11 10:30 - 11:45, 2025-11-18 10:30 - 11:45, 2026-01-06 10:30 - 11:45 and 3 more dates
LEVEL 1: LEARN TO READ HEBREW – AN INTRO CLASS with Dorit Warfman
In-Person I Max M. Fisher Federation Building
TUESDAY, 10:30 – 11:45 AM

SERIES 1: Sep. 9, 16, 30; Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18; Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27
SERIES 2: Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24; Apr. 14, 28; May 5, 12

If you ever wanted to learn the Hebrew letters, follow prayers in Hebrew or
read signs in Israel, then this is the course for you. This may be a stand-
alone class or advance into the “Hebrew 1” class to learn conversational
Hebrew.
Tuition: $250 per series
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12356
Click here to join the livestream.
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Anita Naftaly Family Circle Conference - Raising Resilience: Help our Children THRIVE
2025-11-16 13:00 - 14:30 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd,
Opening the Doors
Anita Naftaly Family Circle Conference
Presenting Tovah P. Klein. A child development expert, psychology professor
and author, Dr. Tovah P. Klein gives parents and teachers the tools to help
kids facing learning, social and/or mental health challenges build resilience
and flourish in an unpredictable ever-changing world. Accessible and
compassionate, Raising Resilience is a timely resource for empowering kids
to build meaningful thriving lives.
Questions and sponsorship: llight@jfsdetroit.org
A partner of Jewish Family Service.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12018

Winter Community Blood Drive
2025-12-02 08:30 - 14:30 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
The J Detroit Community Blood Drive
Tuesday, December 2
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
This Giving Tuesday , give the gift of life. After the incredible success
of our last blood drive, we’re coming together once again to make a lifesaving
difference.
Every donation matters. Every drop counts. Your gift strengthens our local
blood supply and helps meet urgent needssupporting emergency medical services
in Israel through Magen David Adom, in partnership with Blood Centers of
America.
Spots are limited. Reserve your appointment today and be part of something
truly lifesaving.
Chairperson: Josh Yaker
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12911

Scholars in Session: Advice Columns and the American Press with Ayelet Brinn, UofM Frankel Fellow
2026-01-18 16:30 - 18:00 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
At the turn of the twentieth century, American Yiddish advice columns were
more than entertainment—they became vital guides that helped new immigrants
navigate personal struggles, American politics, and Jewish communal life while
forging deep, trust-based relationships between newspapers and readers.
Brinn delves into how these columns transformed the Yiddish press into a
central institution of immigrant acclimation, extending their influence beyond
the page and into readers’ everyday lives.

SAJE programming is endowed by a generous gift from Cis Maisel and supported
by Carol & Ronald P. Fogel, Sheri & David Jaffa, and Elaine & Michael Serling
through The J’s Pillar of Light Program. SAJE inspires meaningful connections
and important conversations. This program is proudly supported by the Jean &
Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Michigan.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13987

HEBREW LEVEL 1: Learn to Read Hebrew - with Dorit Series 2 of 2
2026-02-03 10:30 - 11:45, 2026-02-10 10:30 - 11:45, 2026-02-24 10:30 - 11:45, 2026-03-03 10:30 - 11:45, 2026-03-10 10:30 - 11:45
LEVEL 1: LEARN TO READ HEBREW – AN INTRO CLASS with Dorit Warfman
In-Person I Max M. Fisher Federation Building
TUESDAY, 10:30 – 11:45 AM

SERIES 1: Sep. 9, 16, 30; Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18; Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27
SERIES 2: Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24; Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24; Apr. 14, 28; May 5, 12

If you ever wanted to learn the Hebrew letters, follow prayers in Hebrew or
read signs in Israel, then this is the course for you. This may be a stand-
alone class or advance into the “Hebrew 1” class to learn conversational
Hebrew.
Tuition: $250 per series
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12360
Click here to join the livestream.
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Scholars in Session: Jews of Color: One Term, Many Communities with Samira Mehta
2026-02-15 16:30 - 18:00 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
Jews of color are much in the news, but who are they and where do they come
from? This talk explores the many ways that Jews of color come to and
understand their Jewish identities, dispelling common misperceptions and
answering questions about the experience of Jews of color in the United
States.
Sponsored by EMU Center for Jewish Studies, and The Network.
SAJE programming is endowed by a generous gift from Cis Maisel and supported
by Carol & Ronald P. Fogel, Sheri & David Jaffa, and Elaine & Michael Serling
through The J’s Pillar of Light Program. SAJE inspires meaningful connections
and important conversations.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14075

"Naomi's Questions" Opening the Doors Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month
2026-03-01 16:00 - 17:30 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
Opening the Doors celebrates Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and
Inclusion Month
Join us for an unforgettable screening that celebrates humanity in all its
brilliant forms. A touching documentary that follows Naomi, a radiant
34‑year‑old woman with Williams syndrome and her journey through love,
courage, and inclusivity. This film is a heartfelt cinematic letter—a tender
conversation between a father and daughter—inviting us to rethink how we
understand independence, vulnerability, and intelligence. Filled with honesty
and warmth, Naomi’s Questions offers a powerful experience.
Pre-recorded message from Naomi
Q & A Moderators Katy Levinson & Megan Brockman
Dessert Reception to follow
Registration recommended.
For questions and contributions, contact Debbi Stybel
at([REDACTED] at
248.842.5183.**
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14528

Loom Weaving with Michael Daitch
2026-03-08 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-08 14:00 - 17:00 | The J – Detroit 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield Township
Join artist Michael Daitch for a hands-on introduction to loom weaving inside
Janice Charach Gallery at The J. Students will learn the fundamentals of the
loom and create a beautiful, usable tote bag from start to finish. Each
session is limited to two participants, allowing for personalized guidance and
a relaxed pace. No prior experience is needed, and all materials are provided,
just bring your curiosity and creativity! These are small, two-person
sessions, so you will receive hands-on instruction in an intimate setting.
Registration Deadline for sessions 1 & 2: Thursday, February 5
Registration Deadline for sessions 3 & 4: Thursday, March 5
SOLD OUT Session 1 – Sunday, February 8, 10 AM – 1 PM
SOLD OUT Session 2 – Sunday, February 8, 2 – 5 PM
Session 3 – Sunday, March 8, 10 AM – 1 PM
SOLD OUT Session 4 – Sunday, March 8, 2 – 5 PM
$145 per student
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14162

Pop-Up: What in the World Is Happening? A JLearn Conversation on Iran
2026-03-12 19:00 - 20:30
Instructor: Dr. Howard Lupovitch
In a deeply troubling time for Jews and the entire world, join Dr. Howard
Lupovitch as he unpacks the complex realities of Iran today and the events
taking place. Explore Iran’s nuclear ambitions and their potential impact on
the region and beyond, examine how U.S. and Israeli goals align and where they
diverge, and gain insight into the rich cultural and religious foundations of
the country, including the ties between Shia Islam and Persian culture.
Take away practical tools for separating fact from sensationalism, helping you
follow world events with clarity. Deepen your understanding of the current
events that will impact the future for Jews and the world alike.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15063
Click here to join the Zoom livestream.
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