How Ford Transformed Religion in America
2026-03-24 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Detroit) | 202 S Thayer St 202 S Thayer St, Ann Arbor
What does a motor company and its founder have to do with religion in America?
A lot, it turns out. Henry Ford did not just mass produce cars. As a member of
the Episcopal Church, reader of New Thought texts, believer in the “gospel of
reincarnation,” mass marketer of antisemitic material, and employer who
institutionalized a social gospel, Henry Ford’s contributions to American
models of business were informed by and produced for an America he understood
to be broadly Christian. Though Ford’s efforts at the head of the Ford Motor
Company have commonly been understood as secular, the Motor King was explicit
that his work in engineering and auto production was prophetic and meant to
remake the world. This talk offers a religious history of Henry Ford and the
Ford Motor Company, repositioning them within critical studies of religion and
examining how Ford transformed American religion in the twentieth century.
Organized by: U-M Frankel Center for Judaic Studies
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13937

36th Annual David W. Belin Lecture
2026-03-26 17:30 - 20:00 | Michigan Union 530 S State St, Ann Arbor
The 36th Annual David W. Belin Lecture will be delivered by Dr. Ayala Fader on
Thursday, March 26, 2026. Food will be served at the pre-lecture reception,
and Fader will sign books after the lecture. This free, public lecture will
take place in the Pendleton Room of the Michigan Union on Thursday, March 26,
2026. Please RSVP at (https://myumi.ch/15PN8) to let
us know if you plan to attend.
Over the past decade, frum (Orthodox) Jewish women wellness influencers on
social media have become a significant presence. Despite attempts by some
rabbis to silence them, frum influencers in the United States and Israel
continue to share intimate details of their everyday lives online, earning a
living through the promotion of products linked to their platforms. Professor
Fader’s talk examines the seemingly contradictory worlds these influencers
navigate: while claiming new forms of gendered authority, they simultaneously
reinforce traditional Jewish family structures and gender roles.
Drawing inspiration from conservative Christian wellness influencers, frum
influencers create content that asserts Jewish exceptionalism while fostering
unexpected exchanges with conservative Christian women. The lecture will
consider whether frum social media influencers are subtly promoting illiberal
politics through the gendered language of wellness.
**Ayala Fader **is professor of anthropology at Fordham University. She is
the author of the award-winning books, _Mitzvah Girls: Bringing Up the Next
Generation of Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn_ (Princeton University Press, 2009)
and _Hidden Heretics: Jewish Doubt in the Digital Age_ (Princeton University
Press, 2020). Her research has been supported by the National Science
Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Fader’s current book
project examines the trend of American Orthodox Jews aligning themselves with
a new form of religion on the Christian Right—a public, political, racialized,
and biblical philosophy, redefining postwar Judeo-Christianity in the
contemporary political landscape. As the founding director of Fordham’s Center
for Public Anthropology, Fader is currently collaborating on the Demystifying
Language Project, which makes linguistic anthropology a social justice
resource for public high schools. Fader received her Ph.D. from New York
University
** _About the Belin Lecture_**
Since 1991, the Frankel Center has hosted an accomplished speaker to present
the David W. Belin lecture in American Jewish Affairs. Following the annual
lecture, each speaker provides a text version of their talk. This essay is
then published in print format and is made available
(https://www.fulcrum.org/belin?locale=en)**.** To request a
specific year’s lecture book, please email JudaicStudies@umich.edu.
Organized by: U-M Frankel Center for Judaic Studies
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13395

Yiddish Kaboles Shabes + Potluck
2026-03-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation as partnered with U-M Frankel Center
for Judaic Studies Yiddish language program and Yiddishe gas – Yiddish study
group to incorporate Yiddish songs and tkhines, Yiddish prayers primarily
intended for women.
Potluck to follow. The JCC is a vegetarian + nut free facility.
Organized by: Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15072

Tot Shabbat
2026-04-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-04-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Join us for a playful morning of Jewish songs and stories. Challah and grape
juice kiddush included. For kids age 1 through 1st grade and parents, but all
are welcome to join. Please note that in order to participate in Tot Shabbat,
all tots must be accompanied by an adult. Thanks for helping to make this fun
and safe for everyone
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15259

Israel360 Presents Aaron Rock-Singer
2026-04-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
David de Jong is a journalist and author who is currently a Knight-Wallace
Fellow at the University of Michigan. He most recently worked from Tel Aviv
as a Middle East correspondent for Het Financieele Dagblad, the Netherland’s
premier business newspaper. His stories are known for holding the rich and
powerful accountable. Gilad Halpern is a journalist and media historian. He
has recently completed a PhD at the University of Haifa’s Department of
Communication, entitled “The Palestine Post 1932-1950: Journalism and Advocacy
amid Imperial Decline and Rising Nationalism”. Prior to becoming an academic
he was a full-time journalist in Israel and Europe.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14400

Bi-Annual Rosenberg Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Dr. Benjamin Sommer
2026-04-17 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-18 09:30 - 13:30, 2026-04-18 18:30 - 21:00, 2026-04-19 22:00 - 2026-04-20 11:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
**Friday, April 17th- Sunday, April 19th Rosenberg Scholar-In-Residence
Weekend with Dr. Benjamin D. Sommer**
Beth Israel Congregation is proud to welcome Dr. Benjamin Sommer as this
year’s Rosenberg Scholar-in-Residence. Dr. Sommer is a preeminent biblical
scholar and Jewish theologian serving as a Professor of Bible and Ancient
Semitic Languages at The Jewish Theological Seminary. A prolific author and
lecturer, Dr. Sommer’s research explores the intersections of Israelite
religion, biblical theology, and modern Jewish thought. He is widely
recognized for his award-winning books, including _The Bodies of God and the
World of Ancient Israel_ and _Revelation and Authority: Sinai in Jewish
Scripture and Tradition_ , a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award.
Described by Ha’aretz as both a “traditionalist and yet an iconoclast,” Dr.
Sommer has held prestigious fellowships at the National Humanities Center and
the Shalom Hartman Institute, bringing a synthesis of intellectual acuity and
deep textual knowledge to his work. See the calendar at (http://bethisrael-aa.org) for event details and to register for
Shabbat dinner on April 17th.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13950

May Tot Shabbat
2026-05-02 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-05-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Join us for a playful morning of Jewish songs and stories. Challah and grape
juice kiddush included. For kids age 1 through 1st grade and parents, but all
are welcome to join. Please note that in order to participate in Tot Shabbat,
all tots must be accompanied by an adult. Thanks for helping to make this fun
and safe for everyone!
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15469

JCLP 2026 Graduation Ceremony
2026-05-03 10:00 - 12:00 | 1080 S University Ave 1080 S University Ave, Ann Arbor
Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments and journeys of the Jewish
Communal Leadership Program Class of 2026! The JCLP Graduation Ceremony honors
our students as they complete this unique experience, recognizing their
dedication to social work, Jewish communal service, and academic excellence.
Family, friends, faculty, and community supporters are warmly invited to
gather for a morning of reflection, inspiration, and celebration. The program
will feature remarks from students and faculty, presentation of certificates,
and an opportunity to honor the relationships and growth fostered over the
past two years.
A vegetarian brunch will be served by Zingerman’s.
_To register for the event, please_[ _follow this
link_](https://apps.ssw.umich.edu/rsvp-
request/index.php?page=register&id=W1161) _._
Organized by: Jewish Communal Leadership Program at UM
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14517

Civil Rights Mission to the South - meet in Atlanta - Participants will need to make their own travel arrangements to get to Atlanta.
2026-05-04 11:00 - 20:00 | Atlanta , Atlanta
JCRC OF JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER ANN ARBOR & WASHTENAW BLACK JEWISH
COALITION present a CIVIL RIGHTS JOURNEY – MISSION to the SOUTH
Participants are responsible for travel to and from Atlanta. Our journey will
begin and end at the Atlanta International Airport. This trip has several
sponsors allowing us to provide bussing, meals, and hotel accommodations at a
subsidized ticket price of $500.
**MONDAY MAY 4, 2026**
By 11 AM Pick up at airport
Go to downtown Atlanta
Tour Auburn Ave and King Center Neighborhood and Tomb
Explore the area that Dr. King was born, grew up, and is buried in. See Old
Ebenezer Church where 3 generations of King family preached. Pay our respects
at Dr Martin Luther & Coretta Scott King’s tomb.
12:30 PM Lunch at Ponce City Market
1:30 PM Depart for Birmingham
4 PM Context talk by Etgar 36. Introduction of Birmingham and it’s crucial
role in the Civil Rights Movement.
4:30 PM (CST) See the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park
Meet with the “Fifth Little Girl” who survived the 16th Street Baptist Church
bombing. See the park where the dogs and hoses were used on the Civil Rights
activists.
6 PM Temple Beth El Civil Rights Experience and dinner
Hear the story of dynamite being found in front of the synagogue. Hear about
the learn about the multiple responses that came from the community.
Hotel: Fairfield Inn Colonnade Birmingham, AL
**TUESDAY MAY 5, 2026**
Continental Breakfast at hotel
7:30 AM Bus will be open for participants to put bags on the bus
8 AM Depart for Selma
10 AM Tour of Selma & Walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge
Meet with someone who was took part in the Bloody Sunday march at 11 years
old. Hear their story.
Learn about Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and his involvement in the struggle.
End by walking in their footsteps across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
11:45 AM Depart for Montgomery
1 PM 3 PM Lunch at Martha’s Place
Contextualization talk of events leading to Rosa Parks arrest and bus boycott
3:30 PM Rosa Parks Museum
(CST) 5 PM Stand where the Civil Rights movement began and learn about the
Montgomery Bus Boycott
Mothers of Gynecology Monument and Southern Poverty Law Center Civil Rights
Memorial
Communal dinner
Montgomery Hotel:
Fairfield Inn Eastchase, Montgomery, AL
**WEDNESDAY MAY 6, 2026 **
Continental Breakfast at hotel
7:45 AM Bus will be open for participants to put bags on the bus
8:15 AM Depart for downtown
9 AM Equal Justice Initiative’s Memorial to Peace & Justice
Reflect on an often -overlooked tragedy at the first national memorial for
victims of lynching
10 AM Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum
Explore the evolution of racial oppression from slavery to mass incarceration
11:45 PM Lunch
12:15 PM Equal Justice Initiative’s Sculpture Garden
1:30 PM Depart for Atlanta airport
5 PM Arrive Atlanta airport
(EST)
7 PM Earliest flights out of Atlanta
Organized by: JCRC of Greater Ann Arbor, Jewish Federation of Greater Ann
Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14954

Lag B'Omer
2026-05-05 17:30 - 20:00
Join the Greater Ann Arbor Jewish Community for a celebration of Lag B’Omer.
Enjoy bonfires, Chabad BBQ, crafts, music, games and bicycle-towed hayrides
with your family and friends as we count day number 33 of the Omer together!
(Free for children 4 and under)
Organized by: Chabad House of Ann Arbor, JCC of Greater Ann Arbor, Hebrew Day
School of Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15450

Community-Wide Tikkun Leil Shavuot
2026-05-21 19:45 - 23:59, 2026-05-22 00:00 - 05:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Beth Israel is pleased to host this year’s Community Tikkun Leil Shavuot. All
are welcome to attend sessions on a variety of Jewish topics, led by members
of Ann Arbor congregations. Please contact Jerry Sorokin with any questions
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15614

Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival Shorts Series - Oscar Shorts Showcase: 4 Films, Light Snacks & Community Discussion
2026-05-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Celebrating 25 Years of Jewish Cinema
In honor of the **Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival’s 25th Anniversary** , we are
proud to present a special showcase of **25 films** throughout the season. We
are excited to launch our new **Shorts Series Discussion Panels** , providing
a space for powerful storytelling followed by community conversation.
When & Where
* **Time:** 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM weekly
* **Location:** The JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
* **Format:** Screenings followed by moderated panels and light snacks.
Expert Panels
Each week features guest experts, including local professors, rabbis,
directors, artists, and filmmakers, offering unique insights into Jewish
history and identity.
Tickets & Sponsorship
* **General Admission:** $15 per session at check-in, or $72 for the series online in advance.
* **Sponsorship:** All films in this series are **included** with Festival Sponsorship.
* **To Support:** To become a sponsor, please reach out to **Marci Sturman** or visit the **JCC Front Desk**.
The Shorts Series Lineup
* **Oscar Nominees Night:** Featuring 2026 Academy Award® nominees **_Butcher’s Stain_** and **_Children No More_** , plus two bonus shorts: **_Frequency_** and **_Last Respects_**.
* **_Windows on Rue de St. Dominique_** : An artistic exploration featuring filmmaker **Simcha Shtull** (sister of our own **Dina Shtull**), alongside **Professor Karla Goldman** and local artist and community favorite **Ron Sussman**.
* **Food & Family:** A double feature of **_Babka_** and **_Double Happiness_**. Includes a recipe share and food competition! **_Please bring your favorite Babka or Jewish recipes and your best Babka for our Bubbe’s Best Babka competition!_**
* **_That’s How You Make a Torah_** : A deep dive into sacred craft with the film’s cinematographer and local Rabbinical leadership.
* **History & Heroism:** A poignant screening of **_Wallenberg_** and **_Ice Cream Man_** with a discussion led by an expert panel.
* **_The Niggun_** : An exploration of Yiddish culture, music, and spirituality with **Rabbi Chazan Pescador** and **Professor Julian Levinson**.
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15756

Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival Shorts Series - Windows on Rue de St. Dominique: Film Screening, Panel & Local Artist
2026-06-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival Shorts Series - Films: Babka & Double Happiness + Recipe Share & Food Competition
2026-06-09 14:00 - 15:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival Shorts Series - hat’s How You Make a Torah: Film & Expert Panel Q&A
2026-06-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival Shorts Series - Wallenberg & Ice Cream Man: Short Films & Expert Discussion
2026-06-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival Shorts Series - Film: The Niggun + Discussion w/ Rabbi Chazan Pescador & Prof. Julian Levinson
2026-06-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
