Save the Date: The Main Event is October 25, 2026

Comedian. Jew. Sweetheart.

That’s Alex Edelman, our headline entertainment for this very special Main Event on Sunday, October 25. Save the date, and watch this space for event details and ticket information coming soon!

 

Share your story

As we celebrate 36 remarkable years of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor’s philanthropy, engagement and community-building, we want to capture the stories, moments, and relationships that make this community so special. From joyful celebrations to meaningful everyday connections, every memory helps tell the story of our community.

Selected responses may be featured in the Commemorative Program Book at the Main Event on October 25, 2026.

The deadline to submit responses is Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Submit your Jewish Federation stories here

Be Featured in the Commemorative Program Book

Be featured in this year’s Commemorative Program book, celebrating 36 years of the Jewish Federation. You can purchase an ad to congratulate the Federation on this milestone, honor one of our Pillar Awardees, or wish CEO Eileen Freed well in her final year before retirement in spring 2027.

The deadline to purchase ads for the Program Book is Thursday, September 10.

The ad size guide can be found here.

Email Diana Ingberg for submission and payment information.

Build Our Next 36 Years: Become a Business Partner

Thank you to all of the Jewish Federation’s current business partner sponsors! We are now accepting additional partners, and we hope YOU will join us!

Want to see your business’ name on the Main Event invitation? Looking to build your client base? Become a business partner of the Jewish Federation.

Whether you’re a physician with a private practice, a small business owner, a party planner, or a tutor, doing good is GREAT for business!

Here are some ways your company can build the next 36 years of the Jewish Federation.

  1. Become a corporate sponsor. More details here.
  2. Donate a prize to the Main Event’s raffle. This is an easy way to show your support! You can donate whatever your business has to offer. Maybe a complimentary massage session, or an estate planning session, or a stay at your AirBnB up north? The sky is the limit!
  3. Purchase a business ad in the commemorative program book. Be seen by the over 400 event attendees as a business who cares about the community when you purchase an ad. Details here.

Not in a position to give? You can make an introduction between our team and a business looking to give back to the community.

The deadline to purchase ads for the Program Book is Thursday, September 10.

Email our team to become a business partner

Honoring Our Past and Future

Every year at the Main Event, we honor an individual or group who exemplifies the Jewish Federation’s guiding pillars of Philanthropy, Engagement, and Convening.

This year, as we look back on 36 years of community, we honor all of the past Board Presidents and Executive Directors of the Jewish Federation.

This entire year we will also be celebrating the tremendous contributions of CEO Eileen Freed, as she prepares for retirement in spring of 2027.

Jewish Federation’s Past Board Presidents Jewish Federation’s Past Executive Directors
Marla Linderman Richelew
Jessica ‘Decky’ Alexander
Randy Milgrom
Stephen Aronson
Laurie Barnett
Neal Blatt
Malcolm S. Cohen
Neal Elyakin
Susan R. Fisher
Edward Goldman
Evie S. Lichter (z”l)
Joan Lowenstein
Hillary A. Murt
Owen Z. Perlman
Eduardo Schteingart (z”l)
Laurence N. Smith
Carol S. Smokler
Irving Smokler
Morley Witus
David Shtulman (2008-2017)
Jeff Levin (2000-2008)
Nancy Margolis (1988-2000)