Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor

JCC: Film Discussion Group with Russ Collins
2025-10-22 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-11-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Detroit)

Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan
2025-10-23
Beginning of new Hebrew month of Cheshvan

U-M Frankel Center Event: On Jewish Print Media with Author Vivi Lachs
2025-10-23 17:30 - 19:00 | Thayer Building – Room 2022, 202 South Thayer St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The 2025-26 Frankel Institute “Jews & Media” Theme year is pleased to welcome Vivi Lachs, author of East End Jews: Sketches from the London Yiddish Press, to Ann Arbor for a special presentation on Jewish print media in collaboration with Frankel Institute Fellows.

Stay tuned for more details!

TBE: Kitchen Kindess
2025-10-25 12:30 - 14:00 | Temple Beth Emeth, 2309 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
Looking for a volunteer opportunity to engage in as a family? TBE’s Caring Community group provides meals to members in times of transition and need. Your family can contribute to these efforts by preparing delicious meals together at TBE. Come enjoy a pizza lunch yourselves and then prep food to support others. Recipes and ingredients will be provided, no experience necessary to join!
This event is intended for families.

Limmud Michigan 10th Annual Event
2025-10-26 09:00 - 15:00
The event’s theme: “The Condition of the Jewish People.”
The day will begin with a major presentation for the entire audience of attendees by a moderated panel of high‐profile public intellectuals from the United States and Israel. The chosen presenters have all written and/or spoken insightfully about the subject from different points of view, with deep knowledge, wisdom, and passion.
At present, we have commitments from Elliott Abrams, Tal Becker, and David Harris. (Brief biographies appear below.) Negotiations are underway with two extraordinary women to fill the remaining two positions; the names will be announced as soon as confirmed.
The panel will be moderated by Dr. Howard Lupovitch, Professor of History and Director of the Cohn‐Haddow Senter for Judaic Studies at Wayne State University.
The panel portion of the day will last approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, followed by a catered lunch. The afternoon will consist of a 45‐minute opportunity for participants to interact
with the panelists, followed by two 45‐minute break‐out sessions. These sessions will be led by local/regional presenters who have something to add to the subject from a particular point of view, or based on specific subject matter such as the foundational texts of our tradition.
Elliott Abrams, has served in foreign policy positions for three presidents, is the Chairman of Tikvah, and senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. He served as the U.S. Special Representative for Iran from 2020 to 2021, was appointed by President Joe Biden to the nonpartisan U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy. He is the author of the recent book, If You Will It: Rebuilding Jewish Peoplehood for the 21st Century.
Tal Becker is an Australian‐Israeli lawyer, diplomatic advisor, and civil servant. He is recognized as an international law expert. Throughout the 1990s until 2005, Becker was a legal advisor in the Israeli Defense Forces, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Israeli mission to the United Nations. During Tzipi Livni’s tenure as Israeli Foreign Minister from 2006 to 2009, Becker was one of her closest advisors and confidants on diplomatic and legal matters. He was Israel’s lead negotiator at the Annapolis Conference in 2007. In January 2024, Becker was on the legal team defending Israel in the case brought before the International Court of Justice by South Africa accusing Israel of Genocide. Becker currently serves as vice president for the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.
David Harris is an American political activist who was the CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), from 1990 to 2022. During his tenure, AJC became a global organization and began quiet engagement with countries in the Arab world, laying the groundwork for the Abraham Accords. For his role in international diplomacy, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres called Harris “the foreign minister of the Jewish people.”

FED: Jewish Story Time and Activity for Ages 4-7
2025-10-26 10:30 - 11:30 | Ann Arbor District Library, Pittsfield Branch, 2359 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, 48103, United States

Jewish Storytime at the AADL
2025-10-26 10:30 - 12:30 | Ann Arbor District Library: Pittsfield Branch 2359 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor
**Join the 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)
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13205

FED: Hebrew Story Time (Hebrew Immersion program) for Ages 4-7
2025-10-26 11:30 - 12:30 | Ann Arbor District Library, Pittsfield Branch, 2359 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, 48103, United States

NEXTGen A2: Newish & Jewish Game Day (Everyone Welcome!)
2025-10-26 17:00 - 20:00
Registration and event details to come soon! Everyone Welcome!

NEXTGen A2 Newish & Jewish
2025-10-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
**Are you in your 20’s or 30’s?**
**Looking for way to hang out and relax after a big day of celebrating a
hopeful UM victory?**
Join NEXTGen Sunday, October 26, after the big game to relax with some food,
drinks, raffles, and games with friends.
*Ride share and kosher options available*
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13295

BIC: Hebrew Language Classes Start Again!
2025-10-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-03 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Beth Israel Congregation, 2000 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
We are offering Beginners Liturgical Hebrew and Intermediate Modern Hebrew. Please see registration page for more details.

EMU CJS: Elan Golod, Screening of Nathan-ism
2025-10-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Eastern Michigan University Student Center Auditorium, 900 Oakwood, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
“Filmmaker Elan Golod proposes a documentary portrait of the aging artist but what begins as a peek at a unique witness to history grows into an absorbing study of the function of art as archive and invention. Daring to question an artist’s stories, “Nathan-ism” is a fascinating look at one man’s need to share truths with a world that doesn’t always want to listen.” (From “Nathan-ism” website (https://www.nathan-ism.com/)

Screening of "Nathan-ism" & Talk by Filmmaker Elan Golod
2025-10-27 19:00 - 21:00
Screening of “Nathan-ism” and talk by filmmaker Elan Golod at EMU on behalf of the Center for Jewish Studies.
October 27th, 2025 film will begin at 7:00pm
REGISTRATION DETAILS TO BE ADDED

FED: Board Meeting
2025-10-28 19:00 - 21:00

Yom HaAliyah
2025-10-29
Recognizes Aliyah; immigration to the Jewish State of Israel

Women's Networking Happy Hour
2025-10-30 18:00 - 20:00
details and registration coming soon!

TBE: Monster's and Mulled Wine 2
2025-11-01 17:30 - 19:30 | Temple Beth Emeth, 2309 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
This HalloWeekend, join TBE in exploring things that go bump in the night. Resident Jewish monster expert Jack Zaientz is back, joined by a band of other spooky storytellers, with a new set of tales from our tradition about demons and magic. We will begin with havdalah, and there will be an indoor campfire, mulled wine, hot cider, and hors d’oeuvres. This event is great for adults and teens. Childcare will be provided on-site for younger children.

PJ Explorers with HDS
2025-11-02 11:00 - 13:00 | University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, 1105 N University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States

2025 Wallenberg Medal and Lecture
2025-11-04 16:30 - 18:00 | Rackham Auditorium, 915 WASHINGTON ST, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
2025 Wallenberg Medal and Lecture
Location: Rackham Auditorium, 915 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Date: November 4, 2025
Time: 4:30pm-6:00pm
Contact for Questions: Email: WallenbergLecture@umich.edu or call: 734-936-3973
Event details to be announced

A2J Climate Circle Shabbat Potluck
2025-11-07 17:30 - 19:00 | Beth Israel Congregation, 2000 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
Come join with others in the Jewish climate action community for our A2J Climate Circle Shabbat potluck!
To keep our greenhouse gases to a minimum, we request that you bring only plant-based foods and try to avoid disposable containers. (Provide an ingredient list if the ingredients are not obvious or if the dish includes nuts).
We will provide all the coffee, tea, and water you can drink — but if you want a different beverage, please bring your own.
Please RSVP here
AND — TBE welcomes you to stay for the Climate Action Shabbat service, which starts at 6:30 p.m.
Any questions can be directed to info@A2JClimateCircle.com
Date: 11/7/2025 (Fri.)
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Location: BIC annex at 2010 Washtenaw

ORT Movie Group
2025-11-09 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom
The ORT Movie Group meets at 4PM on Zoom on the second Sunday of the month, with some exceptions (holidays, etc.). The group selects two movies to
watch on our own (through streaming sites) and discuss each month.
For more information about membership, to see the list of movies we have watched, or for contact information, check the website. Membership in ORT is required.
The website is ortannarbor.org. Look for the Movie Group page for the latest schedule information.

FED Main Event
2025-11-10 18:00 - 21:00
Join us on Monday, November 10, 2025 for Federation’s Main Event featuring Mitch Albom!
DETAILS AND TICKETS HERE

Main Event 2025
2025-11-10 18:00 - 21:00
_If you need assistance navigating this registration form, please contact
(734) 677-0100 or info@jewishannarbor.org._
**Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor at the MAIN EVENT to
celebrate and support Jewish life locally, in Israel and around the world.**
****TICKET SALES ARE NOW CLOSED.****
The night will feature best-selling author, philanthropist, sports reporter,
and Michigander (https://www.mitchalbom.com/)****on tour with
his brand new book _Twice_ , which debuted October 2025.
Plus, there will be a raffle, live music, refreshments, and the opportunity to
connect with and support the greater Ann Arbor Jewish community. You don’t
want to miss it!
This year’s event will be in support of the Federation’s (https://jewishfederationannarbor.app.neoncrm.com/forms/2025-annual-
community-campaign-donation-form). **All participants will be asked to support
the community with a meaningful gift** ($100 suggested minimum donation).
_Event Program_
5:30pm Doors open (bar open until 5:50pm)
**6:00pm Seated program begins**
7:30pm Appetizer reception & book signing with MITCH ALBOM
* Enjoy drinks, appetizers and desserts with live music and plenty of schmoozing
* Kosher under supervision of the Detroit Vaad
* Copies of Mitch Albom’s NEW book _Twice_ will be available for purchase at the event
* **Federation’s Major ($5,000+), Ben Gurion Society ($1,000+ under age 40) and legacy donors will receive a complimentary copy of the book.** Contact info@jewishannarbor.org for more on these programs.
_Location_
The event will take place in Ann Arbor. Precise location provided via email
prior to the event.
_Fourth Annual Pillar Award Honoree: Prue and Ami (z”l) Rosenthal_
Federation is thrilled to honor Prue and Ami (z”l) with the fourth annual
Pillar Award for exceptional contributions to the Jewish community in the
areas of Federation’s guiding pillars: Philanthropy, Engagement and Convening.
_Raffle Prizes_
Barry’s Bagels
Bivouac
Blue Lion Fitness
Brightworks Coworking Space
Lewis Jeweler
Moon Winks Café
Ron Sussman Artwork
York Food and Drink
_**Check this space as more raffle prizes are added!**_
_Thank You to This Year’s Planning Committee_
Carrie Bank
Jack Fuchsman
Diana Ingberg
Heidi Kahana
David Lauer
Robyn Schmier
_This Year’s Main Event is Made Possible by Our Corporate Sponsors_ https://www.nachtlaw.com/ https://www.huntington.com/ https://www.epickoshercatering.com/ https://www.key.com/personal/index.html https://risadvisory.com/
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13031

JCC: Veterans Day Animal Therapy
2025-11-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States

U-M Frankel Center Event: The Media of Holocaust Memory
2025-11-11 16:00 - 17:30 | Thayer Building – Room 2022, 202 South Thayer St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
The Media of Holocaust Memory
Special Guests: Todd Presner, Laura Levitt, Moderator: Cara Rock-Singer

How do we remember the Holocaust in 2025? “The Media of Holocaust Memory” brings together two leading Holocaust scholars to discuss the role of “high tech” computer algorithms and AI and “low tech” monuments and material artifacts as technologies for memorializing. In conversation with each other and the audience, Levitt and Presner will discuss how the ethical possibilities and challenges Holocaust memory have and will continue to evolve in the twenty-first century.

JCLP: Jewish Women in the Advent of Women's Liberation and Women's Studies in Ann Arbor and U-M
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | University of Michigan School of Social Work, 1080 South University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States
Jewish and Other Identities in the Emergence of a Movement
Join us for a panel discussion on the rise of feminist activism at U-M and in Ann Arbor from 1968–1972. Pioneering activists Gayle Rubin, Rayna Rapp, Ellen Meeropol, Beth Schneider, and Joanne Parrent will reflect on the development of feminist consciousness and the central role of Jewish and other identities in shaping the movement. The conversation will be moderated by Karla Goldman and is part of IHP’s project site Outsiders, Insiders, Radicals, and Reformers: A History of Jews at the University of Michigan.
In coordination with the project site and two Fall IHP courses—on Jews in U-M history (taught by Deborah Dash Moore) and women in U-M history (taught by Gayle Rubin)—the panel will explore the emergence of feminist consciousness, the activism it sparked in Ann Arbor and on campus, and why Jewish students and faculty were so deeply involved in these efforts.
Schedule
Panel Discussion and Q&A: 6–8 p.m.
Reception with light fare: 8–9 p.m.
This is the second event in IHP’s Insiders and Outsiders series, following a March program featuring food writers (and U-M alums) Joan Nathan and Ruth Reichl with Zingerman’s co-founder Ari Weinzweig.
This event is co-presented by the U-M Inclusive History Project and the Jewish Communal Leadership Program. It is co-sponsored by the Women’s and Gender Studies Department and the Jean & Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies’ David W. Belin Lecture Fund. The Belin Lecture Fund is named after David W. Belin, a businessman, public servant, and leader within the American Jewish community.

RSVP HERE: https://myumi.ch/rApmM

JCC: Book Series - Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein
2025-11-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
Fagin the Thief by Allison Epstein
Register Here!
Long before Oliver Twist stumbled onto the scene, Jacob Fagin was scratching out a life for himself in the dark alleys of nineteenth-century London. Born in the Jewish enclave of Stepney shortly after his father was executed as a thief, Jacob and his open-minded mother, Leah, are each other’s whole world. But Jacob’s prospects are forever altered when a light-fingered pickpocket takes Jacob under his wing and teaches him a trade that pays far better than the neighborhood boys could possibly dream.

Striking out on his own, Jacob familiarizes himself with London’s highest value neighborhoods while forging his own path in the shadows. But everything changes when he adopts an aspiring teenage thief named Bill Sikes, whose mercurial temper poses a danger to himself and anyone foolish enough to cross him. Along the way, Jacob’s found family expands to include his closest friend, Nancy, and his greatest protege, the Artful Dodger. But as Bill’s ambition soars and a major robbery goes awry, Jacob is forced to decide what he really stands for—and what a life is worth.

Allison Epstein earned her MFA in fiction from Northwestern University and a BA in creative writing from the University of Michigan. A Michigan native, she now lives in Chicago, where she enjoys good theater, bad puns, and fancy jackets. She is the author of historical novels including A Tip for the Hangman, Let the Dead Bury the Dead, and Fagin the Thief.
