Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor

EMU CJS: Samira Mehta "Jews of Color"
2026-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Eastern Michigan University Student Center 300, 900 Oakwood St, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
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.

EMU Center for Jewish Studies - Professor Samira Mehta: “Jews of Color: One Term, Many Communities”
2026-02-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Eastern Michigan University 900 Oakwood St, Ypsilanti
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.
Organized by: EMU Center for Jewish Studies
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13026

An Evening of Civic Engagement
2026-02-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
**The JCRC of Greater Ann Arbor invites you to join us for an evening of civic
engagement on February 18 at 7:00 pm** , where we will host elected officials,
representatives of the Democratic and Republican parties, civic leaders, and
educational advocates. **Together, we will gather and learn:**
* How can we get involved in county or state politics?
* How can we join city or county commissions?
* How can we impact the quality of our local schools?
* How can we impact decisions made in my town, my county and my state?
The Jewish community has so much to contribute, and this evening
will show us you how to get involved and make a difference by
engaging in local issues that matter to you.
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14244

Jewish Book Series: Lunch & Learn with Roni Malkai
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Please join us at the JCC on **Thursday, February 19** from **12-1 PM** for an
in-person Lunch & Learn and a virtual visit from Roni Malkai, the author of
_We Are Black Jews: Ethiopian Jewry and the Journey to Equality in Israel._
Enjoy a delicious lunch while listening to Roni speak about her book over
Zoom.
Roni Fantanesh Malkai’s newest book, _We Are Black Jews_ , tells the story and
history of the Ethiopian Jewish community, highlighting the unique Jewish
identity and culture of Beta Israel. The book explores Beta Israel’s
immigration to Israel from Ethiopia and their struggle for equality once in
Israel. The story weaves together personal narratives with historical
accounts, bringing in Malkai’s personal experience coming to Israel with her
family as refugees on foot.
This event is part of the JCC’s ongoing **Book Series** , where visiting
Jewish authors give public talks on their work to bring new ideas and
literature to the community. **The cost of this program is $12.50/person.**
_JCC community events and programs are open to all regardless of faith or
background. All are welcome._
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14125

Jewish Journalism in Dark Times
2026-02-24 17:00 - 18:30 | 202 S Thayer St 202 S Thayer St, Ann Arbor
Join us for a roundtable discussion exploring the transformation of Jewish
journalism during the interwar years (1918–1939) and World War II, an era of
profound upheaval. Panelists will analyze how Jewish newspapers and journals
became vital platforms for political, literary, and cultural engagement. The
discussion will highlight dramatic shifts in journalistic practices, including
evolving editorial strategies, reporting methods, and technological
innovations in format and distribution and the transnational and transcultural
elements that come to the fore during that time. Panelists will also examine
the economic pressures and opportunities that shaped the Jewish press, and
consider the influence and role of Jews as journalists within the broader
media landscape.
**Gilad Halpern** , journalist and media historian, draws on recent doctoral
research on The Palestine Post amid imperial decline and rising nationalism,
bridging professional and scholarly perspectives.**Naomi Brenner** explores
entertainment fiction in the Hebrew and Yiddish press, focusing on the
aesthetics and politics of the roman-feuilleton as a transnational literary
form.**Matthew Handelman** investigates the cultural politics of German Jewish
intellectuals and the primacy of culture in political discourse from the
Weimar Republic onward.
Central to the conversation is the role of Jewish periodicals as spaces for
cultural expression, literary experimentation, and political debate. These
publications not only documented Jewish life, but also actively shaped
identities, fostered transnational dialogue, and provided forums for writers,
artists, and intellectuals grappling with questions of survival and belonging.
This roundtable offers timely insights into journalism during a time of
crisis, illuminating enduring questions about Jews and media.
Organized by: U-M Frankel Center for Judaic Studies
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13936

Shushan Speakeasy
2026-02-28 20:00 - 23:00
Behind the secret door:
delicious bites, open bar and speakeasy games await.
Dress to impress in your finest Roaring ’20’s attire or Purim costume.
Must be 21 years and older to attend.
Organized by: Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/12905

Women's Philanthropy Volunteers @ JFS
2026-03-06 11:00 - 13:00
Join **Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy** for a series of giving back
in our own community. We will be helping **JFS Nourish Food Pantry** prepare
and pack food to be distributed to members of our community.
Space is limited to 4-6 people! Follow the registration button to sign up!
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14849

Antisemitism and Criticism of Israel: a conversation with Aviva Klompas
2026-03-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Ann Arbor , Ann Arbor
Aviva Klompas—renowned speaker, podcaster, and author—joins Elyssa Schmier,
Director of ADL Michigan, for a powerful and timely conversation. Together,
they will explore the rise of antisemitism, the war in Israel, how this moment
has reshaped our community, and what it means for the future of the Jewish
people. Join us for an important dialogue about where we are—and where we go
from here.
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor,
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14249

A Night of Comedy and FUNdraising: Benefiting PJ Library - SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase 212 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor
Become a sponsor for the **4th Annual Night of Comedy and FUNdraising**! This
year, proceeds will go to **PJ Library** , a program that provides free,
award-winning Jewish books to the children in our community. Jewish comedian
Shaun Eli will be performing!
Date: **Thursday, March 12**
Location: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 212 S 4th Avenue in Ann Arbor
Time: Doors open at **6 PM** , and the show will begin at **7:15 PM**.
**_Sponsorship Entitlements_**
* **PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE TICKETS SEPARATELY! Your sponsorship includes tickets which we will secure for you.**
**HEADLINER Sponsorship – $5,000**
As a HEADLINER Sponsor, you will receive 10 tickets to the show, 20 drink
tickets, and prime seating. In addition to being included in the marketing and
sponsorship materials, you will have the opportunity to host a branded table
at the event to share information or swag.
**STAND UP Sponsorship – $1,000**
As a STAND UP Sponsor, you will receive 8 tickets to the show, 16 drink
tickets, and prime seating. You will also be included in marketing and
sponsorship materials.
**COMEDY LOVER Sponsorship – $500**
As a COMEDY LOVER Sponsor, you will receive 4 tickets to the show, 8 drink
tickets, and prime seating. You will also be included in marketing and
sponsorship materials.
**EMCEE Sponsorship – $200**
As an EMCEE Sponsor, you will receive 2 tickets to the show, 4 drink tickets,
and prime seating. You will also be included in marketing and sponsorship
materials.
Can’t join us for the event but still want to support PJ Library? (https://operations.daxko.com/online/4088/OnlineGiving/Donation.mvc?campaign_id=9044)
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14250

A Night of Comedy and FUNdraising: Benefiting PJ Library - GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
2026-03-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase 212 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor
(https://jlive.app/events/14250)
Join us for the **4th Annual Night of Comedy and FUNdraising**! This year,
proceeds will go to **PJ Library** , a program that provides free, award-
winning Jewish books to the children in our community. Jewish comedian Shaun
Eli will be performing!
Date: **Thursday, March 12**
Location: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 212 S 4th Avenue in Ann Arbor
Time: Doors open at **6 PM** , and the show will begin at **7:15 PM**.
Single Tickets: **$48 -** includes **2 drink tickets** (ages 21 and up),
**unlimited popcorn** , and a **kosher snack** of your choice
PJ Library provides free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and
culture with children from birth through 12 years old every month. Our program
has grown to 5,300 free books each year, and we need your support to continue
this wonderful initiative.
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14011

Hasidic Women in the Media
2026-03-17 17:00 - 18:30 | 202 S Thayer St 202 S Thayer St, Ann Arbor
In a compelling lecture performance, author Jessica Roda presents themes from
her groundbreaking book _For Women and Girls Only_ , joined by actress,
writer, and producer Malky Goldman—the book’s remarkable protagonist. The
event offers a nuanced exploration of the representation of Hasidic female
identity in media, on screen, and on stage. Goldman, who was raised in the
ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim in Jerusalem, shares her deeply
personal journey navigating the arts from within and beyond the boundaries of
her Hasidic upbringing. Through dialogue, multimedia, and live performance,
the evening exposes the tensions between tradition and self-expression,
visibility and erasure, community expectations and artistic freedom. Roda
contextualizes Goldman’s story within broader questions of gender, religion,
and representation, challenging reductive portrayals of Hasidic women in
mainstream media. Goldman’s voice—grounded, creative, and courageous—offers a
powerful counter-narrative, reclaiming agency and complexity for Hasidic
female identities on public stages. The performance invites audiences to
reconsider assumptions and listen to stories often silenced or misunderstood.
Organized by: U-M Frankel Center for Judaic Studies
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13938

Raising Resilient Kids: An Evening with Lenore Skenazy
2026-03-18 18:30 - 20:15 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Join us for an inspiring talk with Lenore Skenazy, renowned author, speaker,
and founder of the Let Grow movement.
Lenore is best known for her groundbreaking book “Free-Range Kids” and her
decades of work challenging the culture of overprotection in parenting.
The evening will include a live presentation by Lenore, followed by a Q&A led
by Dr. Beth Pearson, director of the Ann Arbor location of Arbor Psychology
Group, Hebrew Day School consulting psychologist.
**> > Wednesday, March 18th**
**> > 6:30-8:15 PM**
**> > At the Jewish Community Center, Ann Arbor**
**> > Free of charge**
**> > Kosher dinner provided**
**> > Bring the kids! KidZone staff will be on-site with youth programming
(ages 5+)**
**> > RSVP here:
**(https://www.jlive.app/events/14688)
We hope to see you there!
Organized by: Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor,
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14688

How Ford Transformed Religion in America
2026-03-24 17:00 - 18:30 | 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

Israeli Nifgashim
2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Ann Arbor , Ann Arbor
ישראלים נפגשים
הרצאה קצרה, שיחה וחברים
3 gatherings for Israelis in Hebrew.
On February 24th Aviv Touitou Certified aromatherapist and social worker
speaks about Aromatherapy – The Power of Essential Oils to Support & Heal the
Body & Mind.
On March 24th Ariel Levi, DDS, Orthodontist speaks about the Basics of
Orthodontics.
On May 19th Tomer Stern, PhD, MSc, Assistant Professor at the University of
Michigan School of Dentistry speaks about Advancing Skeletal Pathology
Research Through Computational Biology.
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15189

Jewish Book Series: Lunch & Learn with Ayelet Tsabari
2026-03-26 12:00 - 13:30 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Please join us at the JCC on **Thursday, March 26** from **12:00-1:30 PM** for
an in-person Lunch & Learn and a virtual visit from Ayelet Tsabari, the author
of _Songs for the Brokenhearted: A Novel._ Enjoy a delicious Yemeni lunch
while listening to Ayelet speak about her book over Zoom. **Lunch starts at
noon, author talk begins promptly at 12:30 PM.**
This event is part of the JCC’s ongoing **Book Series** , where visiting
Jewish authors give talks on their work to bring new ideas and literature to
the community. **The cost of this program is $12.50/person.** This program is
sponsored by ORT. Zoom available upon request.
_JCC community events and programs are open to all regardless of faith or
background. All are welcome._
**_Book Blurb_**
1950. Thousands of Yemeni Jews have immigrated to the newly founded Israel in
search of a better life. In an overcrowded immigrant camp in Rosh Ha’ayin,
Yaqub, a shy young man, happens upon Saida, a beautiful girl singing by the
river. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, they fall in love. But they
weren’t supposed to; Saida is married and has a child, and a married woman has
no place befriending another man.
1995. Thirty-something Zohara, Saida’s daughter, has been living in New York
City—a city that feels much less complicated than Israel, where she grew up
wishing that her skin was lighter, that her illiterate mother’s Yemeni music
was quieter, and that the father who always favored her was alive. She hasn’t
looked back since leaving home, rarely in touch with her mother or sister,
Lizzie, and missing out on her nephew Yoni’s childhood. But when Lizzie calls
to tell her their mother has died, she gets on a plane to Israel with no
return ticket.
Soon Zohara finds herself on an unexpected path that leads to shocking truths
about her family—including dangers that lurk for impressionable young men and
secrets that force her to question everything she thought she knew about her
parents, her heritage, and her own future.
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14346

4th Annual Recovery Seder
2026-03-29 16:00 - 19:00
Join us for the 4th Annual Recovery Seder. A way to celebrate Passover and
recovery. All are welcome and the event is free to anyone who registers.
**This is a free event but any donations at registration will go towards
ensuring this and other recovery events are free**
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14505

TBE Brotherhood Men's Seder
2026-03-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Temple Beth Emeth 2309 Packard St, Ann Arbor
Seder led by Rabbi Josh Whinston with meaningful discussions about various
issues, and fun! Seder Is open to Brotherhood and men of St. Clare’s. Please
bring whatever your wine or beverage of choice you desire. There is no cost
for the event but donations are appreciated.
Organized by: Temple Beth Emeth
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15148

Jewish Book Series: Milena and Margarete with Gwen Strauss
2026-04-07 17:00 - 18:30 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Please join us at the JCC on **Tuesday, April 7** from **5-6:30 PM** for an
in-person visit from Gwen Strauss, author of _Milena and Margarete: A Love
Story in Ravensbrück._
**_Book Blurb_**
From the moment they met in 1940 in Ravensbrück concentration camp, Milena
Jesenska and Margarete Buber-Neumann were inseparable. Czech Milena was
Kafka’s first translator and epistolary lover, and a journalist opposed to
fascism. A non-conformist, bi-sexual feminist, she was way ahead of her time.
With the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, her home became a central
meeting place for Jewish refugees. German Margarete, born to a middle-class
family, married the son of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber. But soon swept
up in the fervor of the Bolshevik Revolution, she met her second partner, the
Communist Heinz Neumann. Called to Moscow for his “political deviations,” he
fell victim to Stalin’s purges while Margarete was exiled to the hell of the
Soviet gulag. Two years later, traded by Stalin to Hitler, she ended up
outside Berlin in Ravensbrück, the only concentration camp built for women.
Milena and Margarete loved each other at the risk of their lives. But in the
post-war survivors’ accounts, lesbians were stigmatized, and survivors kept
silent. This book explores those silences, and finally celebrates two strong
women who never gave up and continue to inspire. As Margaret wrote: “I was
thankful for having been sent to Ravensbrück, because it was there I met
Milena.”
_JCC community events and programs are open to all regardless of faith or
background. All are welcome._
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14347

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

SAI Reads WHO CARES?: The Elderly in Fiction and Tradition
2026-04-20 12:00 - 13:30 | Temple Beth Emeth 2309 Packard St, Ann Arbor
Join the Sacred Aging Institute in reading beloved member and author Ann S.
Epstein’s new book WHO CARES? Led by Ann and Rabbi Chelsea, this workshop will
explore themes of aging, caretaking, and justice through a colorful array of
characters, as well as traditional Jewish texts on these subjects.
Organized by: Temple Beth Emeth
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15151

Yom HaAtzmaut Israeli Block Party
2026-04-22 17:00 - 20:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Second annual Israeli Block Party! Come celebrate Israel’s Independence Day.
The most fun you will have in Israel… in Ann Arbor.
LIVE MUSIC from Israel with HaShayara!
Food and Drinks available for purchase!
Lawn Games!
Art and Experiences Tour through Israel!
Children’s Activities!
This will be a large event with games, food, and fun inside of the JCC!
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor,
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14454

“Lesson of the Homeland” and the Stories We Tell: A Conversation with Anat Zeltser
2026-04-26 12:00 - 15:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
“Lesson of the Homeland” and the Stories We Tell: A Conversation with Anat
Zeltser
https://lsa.umich.edu/judaic/people/institute-fellows/anat-zeltser.htmlis the Ken Burns of Israel. Over the past 25 years, she has made
deeply researched and thought- provoking films about Israel’s identity,
history, culture and politics.
On April 26, the AARC and wider Jewish community will have the opportunity for
a conversation with her about her work. (https://lsa.umich.edu/judaic/people/institute-fellows/gilad-
halpern.html) a journalist and media historian will lead a conversation with
Anat, and there will be time for questions from the audience.
Both Anat and Gilad have been Fellows at the University of Michigan’s Frankel
Center this year and will soon be leaving town. This event is a rare
opportunity to meet and learn from “the best documentary creator in Israel,”
(according to one of her reviews); another Israeli critic describes her work
as “mesmerizing, informative, and profound.”
We ask that participants come having watched the first part of her series
“Lesson of the Homeland.”. A link is (https://vimeo.com/724035711). And
please RSVP (https://forms.gle/kzcXxDxQxgvnVxjr9)to let
us know you’re coming.
Organized by: Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15532

Borderland The Line Within Documentary
2026-04-28 18:30 - 21:30 | Michigan Theater 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor
An award-winning documentary that exposes the human cost of immigration as it
weaves in the compelling stories of immigrants fighting to uphold their human
rights. Q&A follows with the Director and Producer. All proceeds go to the
Interfaith Fund for Immigrant Justice (MIRC/IFIJ) to support legal services
provided by the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. Sponsored by Temple Beth
Emeth.
Organized by: Temple Beth Emeth
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14862

TOVAH - OPENING MATINEE - Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
2026-05-03 13:00 - 17:00 | The State Theatre 233 S State St, Ann Arbor
Please join us at the**State Theatre** for the **Ann Arbor Jewish Film
Festival**! The festival is celebrating its 25th year and this year’s showings
are sure to amaze and move you. The primary festival runs from**May 3 to May
13** , but stay tuned throughout the year for special events!
**Doors Open at 1:00 pm **
**Film Starts at 1:30 pm **
**Synopsis:** Tovah Feldshuh, the legendary Broadway actress whose fearless
performances, intellectual rigor, and commanding presence have defined
American theater for more than five decades, is the subject of _TOVAH_ , a new
feature-length documentary directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker
David Serero. A towering figure of the stage and screen, Feldshuh is revered
for her iconic Broadway roles, her groundbreaking portrayals of historical
women, most notably Golda Meir, and her Emmy-nominated performance on _Crazy
Ex-Girlfriend_. Most recently, she has experienced a renewed rise in
mainstream popularity through her acclaimed appearance in Netflix’s hit series
_Nobody Wants This_ , introducing her to a new generation of global audiences.
The film presents a definitive portrait of an artist whose influence extends
far beyond the stage, shaping generations of performers and audiences alike.
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14826

The Pianist's Choice - OPENING NIGHT - Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
2026-05-03 18:00 - 21:00 | The State Theatre 233 S State St, Ann Arbor
Please join us at the**State Theater** for the **Ann Arbor Jewish Film
Festival**! The festival is celebrating its 25th year and this year’s showings
are sure to amaze and move you. The primary festival runs from**May 3 to May
13** , but stay tuned throughout the year for special events!
**Doors Open at 6:00 pm **
**Film Starts at 6:30 pm **
**Synopsis:** The Pianist’s Choice follows the story of François Touraine, a
French piano virtuoso who is living at the dawn of World War II. He has fallen
in love with his piano teacher, Rachel, a French Jewish woman and as the
forces of Nazi Germany bear down on their lives, their relationship becomes
more complex. François is forced to go play piano for Germany in an attempt to
save the woman he loves, aligning with those he despises to try and save a
life.
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15121

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

Sapiro v. Ford - Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
2026-05-04 17:00 - 21:30 | The State Theatre 233 S State St, Ann Arbor
Please join us at the**State Theater** for the **Ann Arbor Jewish Film
Festival**! The festival is celebrating its 25th year and this year’s showings
are sure to amaze and move you. The primary festival runs from**May 3 to May
13** , but stay tuned throughout the year for special events!
**Doors Open at 6:00 pm **
**Film Starts at 6:30 pm **
**Synopsis:** Sapiro v. Ford tells the riveting true story of Aaron Sapiro, a
young Jewish lawyer who took on one of America’s most powerful men—and most
notorious antisemite—Henry Ford. In the 1920s, as Ford’s anti-Jewish
publications incited hatred across the nation, Sapiro filed an unprecedented
libel suit, challenging the limits of hate speech long before such laws
existed.
From his humble beginnings as an orphan in San Francisco to leading a
nationwide movement empowering farmers, Sapiro’s life was a testament to
courage, vision, and justice. Portrayed by actor Ben Shenkman, Sapiro’s words
are presented in their entirety, filmed as if speaking directly to a modern
audience. At the same time, historical experts illuminate the stakes of his
confrontation with Ford.
In a David-versus-Goliath showdown, Sapiro forced the industrial titan to back
down, issue an apology, and shutter his hate-filled newspaper, leaving a
legacy that resonates today. As antisemitism rises and the struggle to balance
free speech with protection against hate continues, Sapiro v. Ford examines
the enduring question: how can societies confront power, prejudice, and
propaganda while upholding justice?
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14827

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

The Sea - Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
2026-05-06 18:30 - 21:00 | The State Theatre 233 S State St, Ann Arbor
Please join us at the**State Theater** for the **Ann Arbor Jewish Film
Festival**! The festival is celebrating its 25th year and this year’s showings
are sure to amaze and move you. The primary festival runs from**May 3 to May
13** , but stay tuned throughout the year for special events!
**Doors Open at 6:00 pm **
**Film Starts at 6:30 pm **
**Synopsis:** Khaled, a 12-year-old boy from a Palestinian village, is
thrilled to join a school trip to see the sea for the first time. However, at
an Israeli military checkpoint, soldiers declare his travel permit invalid and
send him back, while his classmates continue on. Determined and heartbroken,
Khaled sets out alone to reach the sea, despite not knowing the way or
speaking Hebrew. His father, Ribhi, an undocumented laborer working in Israel,
abandons his job and risks arrest to search for his missing son.
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14828

Education Rights Under Pressure: What Michigan Families Need to Know with Brad Dembs & Debra Chopp
2026-05-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Federal protections for students with disabilities are in flux. Two
experienced practitioners will break down special education and
nondiscrimination laws — and explain what recent federal changes mean for
Michigan families navigating this vital area of law. Debra Chopp is a Clinical
Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Experiential Education, and the Director
of the Pediatric Advocacy Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School. She
has been representing families on education-related matters for 20 years. Brad
Dembs is the Director of Education Counseling at the Schluter & Hughes Law
Firm, PLLC. He has represented families of children with disabilities for over
a decade, in both non-profit and private sectors.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15473
