Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor

Jewish Storytime at the AADL
2026-01-25 10:30 - 12:30 (America/Detroit) | 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)
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13417

BIC: Hebrew Language Classes Start Again!
2026-01-26 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-02 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-09 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: Jewish Space Lasers and the Link Between Antisemitism and Conspiracy Theories hosted by Mike Rothschild
2026-01-26 19:00
Save the date!

*Speaker talk and registration details to come*

JCC: Book Series - Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi
2026-01-29 17:30 - 19:30 | Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi

Register Here

Set in 1937, the novel follows Sona, a young Anglo-Indian nurse, as she travels from Bombay to Istanbul, Prague, Florence, Paris, and London to uncover the mystery behind a famous painter’s death. Sona, born to an Indian mother and abandoned by her British father, is a nurse in Bombay who struggles with her dual identity. When Mira Novak, a famous half-Indian painter, arrives at the hospital after a miscarriage, Sona becomes captivated by her stories of worldly adventure and reckless love. Over the course of a week, the women develop a special bond and when Mira dies under mysterious circumstances, Sona immediately falls under suspicion.

The key to proving Sona’s innocence may lie in a cryptic note and four paintings Mira left in her care, sending her on a mission to visit the painter’s former friends and lovers across a tumultuous Europe teetering on war. As Sona leaves her quiet, sheltered life in Bombay behind, she’s thrust into cultures and situations she’s never had to face,
learning valuable lessons, growing in her independence, and confronting her own painful past. She also learns her beloved Mira’s charming façade hid a complicated, troubled soul.
Alka Joshi is the internationally bestselling author of the Jaipur Trilogy: The Henna Artist, The Secret Keeper of Jaipur and The Perfumist of Paris. She has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts and spent 30 years in the fields of advertising and marketing before pivoting to a full-time career as a novelist. Her fourth novel, Six Days in Bombay (4/15/25), is a sweeping travelogue of a young Indian women’s journey from 1937 India to a turbulent Europe as she comes into her own. Alka has spoken to well over 900 bookclubs, literary festivals, colleges and corporations about her writing journey.

FED: Super Sunday
2026-02-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
Registration details coming soon!

Super Sunday
2026-02-01 09:30 - 11:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Join us for a fun morning making phone calls, sending emails (and eating
bagels) to raise critical funds for the Jewish community to fight hate and
antisemitism, enhance security, care for the vulnerable, inspire kids’ Jewish
identity for a strong Jewish future, connect all Jews to a vibrant, inclusive
community, and more.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13652

JCC: Community Tu B'Shevat Celebration
2026-02-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States

Tu BiShvat
2026-02-02
New Year for Trees

Jewish Community Board Training Series
2026-02-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States
The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor invites current and future board members to participate in a series of three engaging and enriching sessions focused on the skills, knowledge, and responsibilities of serving as a Jewish community board member.
For more information and registration, click here: Jewish Community Board Leadership Series Registration Form – Fill out form

JCC: Amster Gallery Exhibition with Joseph Bergman and Esther + Shai-Lee Jakar
2026-02-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Jewish Community Center of Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, United States

Tot Shabbat
2026-02-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-07 11:00 - 14:00 | 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.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14165

PJ Explorers with HDS
2026-02-08 11:00 - 13:00 | University of Michigan Art Museum, 525 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, United States

ORT Movie Group
2026-02-08 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.

FedPro 2026
2026-02-09 - 2026-02-11 | Phoenix, AZ
Save the Date for FedPro 2026
We are excited to announce the date and location for our next FedPro conference for all Federation professionals on February 9-11, 2026 at the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix.
Stay tuned for more information and details.
For more information, please contact Jessica Balboni.

U-M Frankel Center Event: When Hebrew Met the Machine
2026-02-10 17:00 - 18:30 | Thayer Building – Room 2022, 202 South Thayer St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, United States
A Book Talk with Ido Ramati
Tuesday, February 10 from 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Room 2022, South Thayer Building
RSVP: https://myumi.ch/W6Ard
Special Guest: Ido Ramati (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), Moderator: Shachar Pinsker
What happens when an ancient language meets modern technology? This lecture will discuss the role played by media technologies—such as the phonograph, typewriters, the telegraph, and computers—in the revitalization and modernization of Hebrew since the end of the nineteenth century. After lying dormant for two millennia as a mainly written language, Hebrew awoke from its literary slumber and became a living modern vernacular. The revitalization of Hebrew is unique and unprecedented in world history, and it has been studied in various fields; but the role of modern media technologies in mediating this revival has not yet been considered. This lecture will delve into questions such as: what was the role of sound recording technologies in shaping the reemerging modern Hebrew speech? And how did the Hebraized typewrite pushed for the modernization of writing in Hebrew?. It will show how these media, whose emergence ran in historical parallel to the revitalization of Hebrew, were an active force in shaping the language as a modern communicative medium. Hebrew was a historical media lab: written from right to left and in unique script, it posed technical as well as conceptual challenges to media which were originally designed for Latin script and Western writing systems. The adaptation of these technologies to Hebrew required various adaptations that shaped lingual mechanisms, which had social and political ramifications on the emerging Hebrew culture.

When Hebrew Met the Machine
2026-02-10 17:00 - 18:30 | South Thayer Building 202 S Thayer St, Ann Arbor
What happens when an ancient language meets modern technology? This lecture
will discuss the role played by media technologies—such as the phonograph,
typewriters, the telegraph, and computers—in the revitalization and
modernization of Hebrew since the end of the nineteenth century. After lying
dormant for two millennia as a mainly written language, Hebrew awoke from its
literary slumber and became a living modern vernacular. The revitalization of
Hebrew is unique and unprecedented in world history, and it has been studied
in various fields; but the role of modern media technologies in mediating this
revival has not yet been considered. This lecture will delve into questions
such as: what was the role of sound recording technologies in shaping the
reemerging modern Hebrew speech? And how did the Hebraized typewrite pushed
for the modernization of writing in Hebrew?. It will show how these media,
whose emergence ran in historical parallel to the revitalization of Hebrew,
were an active force in shaping the language as a modern communicative medium.
Hebrew was a historical media lab: written from right to left and in unique
script, it posed technical as well as conceptual challenges to media which
were originally designed for Latin script and Western writing systems. The
adaptation of these technologies to Hebrew required various adaptations that
shaped lingual mechanisms, which had social and political ramifications on the
emerging Hebrew culture.
Organized by: U-M Frankel Center for Judaic Studies
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13596

Hebrew Classes with Milka (Intro 5-6pm, Prayer Book 6:15-7pm, Beg Conv 7:15-8pm, Adv Conv 8:15-9:pm)
2026-02-10 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

Safety and Security Trainings - Situational Awareness
2026-02-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Temple Beth Emeth 2309 Packard St, Ann Arbor
**Situational Awareness**
Tuesday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. In-person & Zoom
**The Power of Hello**
Monday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m. Zoom only
**Active Assailant with Ann Arbor Police Department**
Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. In-person only
_It Is highly recommended you attend situational awareness first._
**Building Tour (of TBE spaces)**
Learn locations of AED, Tornado Shelters, exit doors, etc.
Friday, March 13 at 5:00 p.m. In-person only. All ages are welcome and
encouraged.
Organized by: Temple Beth Emeth
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14434

Chavurat Nashim, Fellowship of Women, Hamantashen Baking & Mishloach Manot Making
2026-02-11 16:30 - 18:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Amanda Fisher will lead us in baking mini hamantashen and then we will
assemble mishloach manot bags to give to new members and older members. Join
us in fulfilling this mitzvah of giving portions to community members! We need
donations(for the bags) and drivers (to deliver the bags). Please register
through the calendar and follow the Sign Up Genius link below to register to
bring items and deliver bags.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545A9AA29AAFCC43-61602556-mishloach
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14198

JCC: Film Discussion Group with Russ Collins
2026-02-11 19:00 - 20:30

JCC: A2 Vision
2026-02-12 17:30 - 20:00
details and registration will be added

A2 Vision: An Ann Arbor Talent Showcase!
2026-02-12 17:30 - 20:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
Get ready for a brand new music program at the Ann Arbor JCC: **A2Vision**!
This is a fun talent show, featuring singers, dancers, musicians, actors, and
more from the Ann Arbor community. People of all ages and from all different
parts of the Ann Arbor Jewish world will be showcasing their unique talents
and performances, so come on down and show your support!
The event will take place on **Thursday, February 12** , from **5:30-8:00 pm**
at the Ann Arbor JCC. The idea for this show comes from the popular music
competition, _Eurovision_. While not a competition, A2Vision seeks to capture
the same positive, fun energy, creativity, and unifying power of Eurovision.
**If you are would like to showcase your talent and are interested in
performing,**(https://forms.gle/Dniubc5nKGcnKZjKA)
Questions? Please contact **Eva Kubacki** at evakubacki@jccannarbor.org.
_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/14124

Chocolates & Community: A Galentine's Day Event
2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Ann Arbor City Club 1830 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Looking for a fun night with your girlfriends?
Want a great mother/daughter activity to engage in?
Hoping to spend some time meeting new people?
Join Women’s Philanthropy for a Galentine’s Day event full of friendship,
female empowerment, and sisterhood! Learn how to make your own chocolates and
create your own variety box to take home, and enjoy spending an evening of
fun, door prizes, food, and mocktails with all the people in our amazing
community!
Ages 13+ Welcome
Organized by: Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13748

Shabbat Shekalim
2026-02-14
Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Adar

Climate Action Shabbat + Potluck
2026-02-14 10:30 - 13:00 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor
The A2J Climate Circle has partnered with Ann Arbor Reconstructionist
Congregation to host a Climate Action Shabbat — we hope you will join us in
showing the Earth some love and do a little nature-forward Jewish learning,
followed by a potluck style lunch.
https://aarecon.breezechms.com/form/6f3efe788869454
**THE JCC IS A NUT-FREE AND VEGETARIAN FACILITY**
Organized by: Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14157

ISRAEL360 Presents Dr. Ambreen Ben-Shmuel
2026-02-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Beth Israel Congregation 2000 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor
Dr. Ben-Shmuel, PhD in Sociology from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, is
currently a postdoctoral research fellow at the UM Erb Institute for Global
Sustainable Enterprise, a joint program of the Ross School of Business and the
School for Environment and Sustainability.
Organized by: Beth Israel Congregation
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14287

FED: Board Meeting
2026-02-16 19:00 - 21:00
