Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor

Girls on the Run
2026-03-16 16:15 - 17:45, 2026-03-18 16:15 - 17:45, 2026-03-23 16:15 - 17:45, 2026-03-25 16:15 - 17:45, 2026-04-06 16:15 - 17:45, 2026-04-13 16:15 - 17:45, 2026-04-15 16:15 - 17:45, 2026-04-20 16:15 - 17:45 (America/Detroit) | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Meeting **twice weekly for 90 minutes over 8 weeks** , our trained and caring
coaches
lead **3rd – 6th graders** through our BRAND-NEW _Hello, Bold Heart_
curriculum that
expands our evidence-based lessons and activities to equip girls to build
their _Heart_
_Power_ —the confidence to boldly share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
This
season, they’ll **learn to use their voices** (even when they are nervous),
and develop
**life skills** like **resolving conflicts** with others,**building healthy
habits** , and **deepening**
**their confidence**. The season ends with a community wide, non-competitive
**Girls on**
**the Run 5K event** where our participants are guaranteed to shine!
**_Learn more & register at
_**(https://www.girlsontherunsemi.org)
Organized by: JCC of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13856

Hebrew Classes with Milka (Intro 5-6pm, Prayer Book 6:15-7pm, Beg Conv 7:15-8pm, Adv Conv 8:15-9:pm)
2026-03-17 17:00 - 21:00, 2026-03-24 17:00 - 21:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Winter Hebrew Session with Milka Eliav
$140/members, $195/non-members.
Introductory Hebrew 5-6pm
This is the class for complete beginners with no prior knowledge. Learn
letters and vowels and how to put them together and read aloud. Gain an
understanding of how Hebrew differs from English and how it works. Gain some
basic vocabulary and build confidence in our approach to Hebrew. _*If you have
any experience, you should sign up for Prayer Book Reading (not this class)._
Prayer Book 6:15-7:00pm
If you can read Hebrew and want to improve your fluency, speed and confidence,
this is the class for you! We will focus on texts from the prayer book and the
Jewish Bible, dedicate some class time to discussing meaning and recurring
vocabulary, and learn some reading principles to help with fluency and
pronunciation. We will use the book _Prayer Book Hebrew, The Easy Way._
Beginning Conversation 7:15-8:00pm
This class offers a taste of modern Hebrew for Communication. Reading Hebrew
is a plus but not a requirement. We will jump right into Hebrew and learn to
introduce ourselves, ask questions, describe things like our families, our
jobs, and other common topics. We may even learn to order in an Israeli
restaurant. Come dip your toes in this Modern-ancient language and roll some
Hebrew off your tongue!
Advanced Conversation 8:15-9:00pm.
Advanced Conversation: If you can carry on a conversation in Hebrew on various
topics, this class is for you. Come join a relaxed and welcoming hour of
Hebrew only. Participants talk and read together about a wide range of
subjects, while highlighting grammatical points, enriching vocabulary, and
exploring cultural references. “Hebrew Table” at its best!
Register through the calendar on our website by January 23rd.
*Please note that we must have at least 5 people registered to run a class.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14168

Chavurat Nashim In the Company of Women Abridged Seder with Rabbi Aura Ahuvia
2026-03-18 16:30 - 18:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
In our individualistic society, we can forget the importance of the group.
Connecting is crucial—crucial to our mental health, to our societal well-
being, and to our collective freedom. Why does it feel like we’re building
more boundaries than bridges? How do we restore us to each other? Come explore
the theme of connecting and how it relates to freedom. Paired with seder
highlights (as opposed to a complete ‘mini-seder’), we’ll sing, learn, study
and most importantly connect with each other. Catch the spark of meaningful
conversation and see where it takes you! An uplifting evening of music and
song, meaningful conversation, learning, and laughter! Please be sure to
register through our calendar.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14749

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

Sarajevo Hagaddah Presentation with Rochelle Burr
2026-03-19 19:00 - 20:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Come and experience the splendor and history of the Sarajevo Haggadah with a
taste of the golden Sephardim experience in the Spanish and Andalusian
kingdoms of the medieval period. Learn about the most famous Jewish
manuscript surviving the Spanish expulsion of the 14th century, Italian
Inquisition of the 17th century, WW1, WW2, and the Balkan Wars of the 1990s.
Our history is alive and has lots of stories to tell! Rochelle Burr has a BA
in Art History with a concentration in Religious Visual Culture from UCSC.
She completed study abroad research with UCLA tracing migration patterns out
of the Spanish peninsula during the inquisition era.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14788

Tot Shabbat
2026-03-21 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/14741

Red Cross Blood Drive at Beth Israel
2026-03-22 09:00 - 14:30 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Every Drop Counts: be a lifesaver today! Join us in making a difference in
the world. Your act of kindness could be the reason someone gets a second
chance at life. Sign up at
(http://www.redcrossblood.org) and enter code bic13.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14752

Jewish Storytime at the AADL
2026-03-22 10:30 - 12:30 | Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor
**Join Carmel & Ori for Jewish Story Time**
There will be both English and Hebrew sessions but we invite families to join
for both!
* **10:30-11:30:** Jewish story time & Activity
* **11:30-12:30:** Hebrew Jewish story time & Activity (Hebrew immersion)
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13420

Matzah Factory: Pesach Discovery Hour
2026-03-22 15:30 - 16:30 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Celebrate Passover with the JCC and Chabad at **Matzah Factory: Pesach
Discovery Hour** on **Sunday, March 22** from **3:30-4:30 PM**! We’ll have
cool activities to choose from, including:
* Matzah Bakery Demo
* Pesach Craft
* Pesach Big Book Story Time
* The Sensory Pesach Experience
You won’t want to miss this!
_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/15155

ISRAEL360 Presents Gilad Halpern and David De Jong
2026-03-22 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/14457

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

Mussar with Roann Altman
2026-03-26 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
2 Thursdays a month from 7:00-8:30pm in the G&S 2010 Building, beginning
February 26th and continuing on 3/12, 3/26, 416, 4/30, 5/14, and 5/28. Join a
study group (_va’ad_) with Mussar-trained facilitator Roann Altman to uncover
how we can transform our lives one step at a time. After leading groups for 13
years and a 6-year Covid hiatus, Roann returns to bring wisdom from Mussar
masters for living a more meaningful and Jewish-based life. Participants are
asked to purchase, and bring to the first meeting, the Mussar text _Everyday
Holiness_ , by Alan Morinis.There is no charge to participate in the group,
but commitment to attend all sessions is required. Please register through the
calendar by February 18th.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14289

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

Fourth Friday Kabbalat Shabbat + Potluck
2026-03-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Join AARC for Friday Night services followed by community potluck.
The JCC is a meat and nut free campus — please bring vegetarian and nut-free
dishes and desserts to share!
Organized by: Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15195

Tot Shabbat
2026-04-11 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

Bi-Annual Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Dr. Benjamin Sommers
2026-04-18 17:00 - 21:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Please join us for our bi-annual Scholar-in-Residence weekend will take place
April 17th, 18th, and 19th with Dr. Benjamin Sommer, Professor of Bible and
Ancient Semitic Languages at JTS and Senior Fellow at the Shalom Hartman
Institute.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13950
