By Rebecca Rich, Graduate Student Intern, Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
On Sunday, January 19, in honor of Martin Luther King Weekend and in collaboration with Ypsilanti faith leaders, the Jewish Communal Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor collaborated with the Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church and Olive Tree Church of Christ for a communal, inclusive meal, especially for those who face food insecurity. It was a great showing of solidarity and unity. Organized through Pastor Carnel Richardson and Pastor Arnold Sheard, people of all ages gathered in the basement of the Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church to eat a freshly cooked chicken lunch while Dr. King’s speeches and some music played in the background. A group of volunteers from the Jewish Federation, including several children, helped in the kitchen and with passing out food. There were also volunteers from the American Red Cross present, who were offering their services to install smoke alarms in people’s homes.
Each of the faith leaders present, including Federation’s Director of Community Relations Rabbi Asher Lopatin, had an opportunity to introduce themselves to the attendees. In his introduction, Pastor Richardson emphasized the importance of feeding everyone for free regardless of their circumstances, acting on Dr. King’s values. There was palpable excitement among the volunteers to provide such a meaningful meal to all of the approximately 100 attendees. Rabbi Lopatin echoed this sentiment in his introduction, expressing excitement and pride for the burgeoning partnership between the Greater Ann Arbor Jewish and Black Christian communities . In showing up for each other, the two communities were able to find joint meaning in the holiday.
On Monday, January 20, the Jewish Community Center put on an event commemorating the holiday co-sponsored by the Federation’s JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Committee). Attendees of all ages were treated to a performance from the Ypsilanti Youth Choir and a sing-along led by JCC Early Childhood Center teacher Matasha Allen, who pushed through an unfortunately timed case of bronchitis with energy and grace. After the main part of the program, breakout sessions included an art station, a poetry workshop hosted by members of the Jewish People of Color Network, and a workshop on having difficult conversations. This program offered a wonderful opportunity for the Black and Jewish communities to come together with a spirit of joy and learning.
Throughout both events, feelings of unity were front and center. On March 25, the JCRC will be hosting a Freedom Seder further celebrating Black-Jewish unity. Please save the date.