Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit

From Cringe to Confidence: Mastering Authentic Networking
2026-02-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-02-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Detroit) | Pop’s For Italian 280 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale
Networking doesn’t have to feel forced, awkward, or performative. Join
NEXTWork, NEXTGen Detroit and Gesher’s top-shelf networking program for a
confidence-building evening with Michelle Gilbert, Chief Engine Officer of
Purple Engine Coaching at Pop’s for Italian in Ferndale. In her interactive
presentation, “**From Cringe to Confidence: Mastering Authentic Networking**
,” Michelle will help us replace networking anxiety with a clear, confident
approach to creating authentic connections. We’ll learn how to prepare with
intention, engage in real conversations and follow up in ways that feel
natural rather than transactional. By focusing on practical strategies and
real-world scenarios, this session aims to move us from self-conscious or
uncertain to grounded, purposeful and confident in how we build and sustain
professional relationships.
**$18** per person includes presentation, networking, a drink ticket and
light appetizers (kosher style).
Please RSVP by February 20.
You can learn more about Michelle Gilbert and Purple Engine Coaching at
(https://purpleenginecoaching.com )
Thank you to our Event Chairs:
Gillian Porter
David Moiseev
NEXTWork is brought to you by Gesher Human Services and NEXTGen Detroit.
Special thanks to the Hadas and Dennis Bernard NEXTWork Endowment Fund.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14415

An Evening at Ina Garten's Book Tour: Pre-Glow and Group Seating with NXG
2026-02-26 18:00 - 19:30 | The Kahn Apartments 7430 2nd Ave, Detroit
**A minimum donation of $100 to Federation’s 2026 Annual Campaign is required
to attend this event. This event is intended for young adults ages 21-39.**
Join NEXTGen Detroit for an evening at the Fisher Theater as we take our seats
and enjoy Ina Garten’s book tour _Be Ready When The Luck Happens_. We have
some wonderful seats secured at a discounted group rate, and if that weren’t
enough, you’re invited for an exclusive pre-glow before the event at The Kahn.
Enjoy drinks and apps before we head over to the theater and hear the Barefoot
Contessa discuss her latest memoir.
6 PM – Pre-Glow begins at The Kahn with cocktails and apps.
7 PM – We head to The Fisher as a group and take our seats.
7:30 PM – Sit back, relax, and enjoy _Ina_! How easy is that?
$100 per person includes a ticket to the show on the main floor, pre-glow with
light appetizers and drinks and *parking.
In addition to the cost of the ticket, there is a minimum donation of $100 to
Federation’s 2026 Annual Campaign to attend this event. If you have already
made a gift of $100, please contact Lindsey at
([REDACTED] for
a code to waive the minimum donation.
This event is intended for young adults ages 21 to 39.
Dietary laws observed.
*The parking lot for the Fisher Building is on Third Avenue. Specific parking directions will be sent before the event.
**Thank you to our event chairs:**
Nicole MacWilliams
Annie Gordon Thomas
Jonathan Shaw
**Thank you to The Kahn for hosting our pre-glow reception.**
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13394

Federation Insider
2026-03-09 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-18 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-26 18:30 - 20:30
**Is 2026 the year that YOU become an Insider?**
Are you ready to take your community involvement to the next level?
Was that a yes? Awesome! Join us for NEXTGen Detroit’s Federation Insider.
Over three interactive, educational (and of course fun) sessions, we’ll give
you an inside look into the Metro Detroit Jewish community and everything that
NEXTGen Detroit and the Jewish Federation have to offer. You’ll network with
other young adults and community leaders and learn about local resources and
programs to get involved and give back. In addition to hearing from our
dynamic speakers, you’ll also have the chance to choose from a variety of
interactive breakout sessions so you can become an insider on aspects of the
community that matter most to you!
**Session 1: All About NEXTGen Detroit**
**March 9 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM**
We’ll start by hearing from Tomer Moked, NEXTGen Detroit Director, and Andrew
Luckoff, NEXTGen Detroit President, about the ins and outs of NEXTGen Detroit
and how our young adult division has become a model used by Federations across
North America. We’ll dive into our mission, our three areas of focus and how
we’re attracting and engaging the next generation of proud Jewish Detroiters.
**Breakout #1 Diverse Experiences:** A conversation with Board VPs who will
discuss the types of events we host and the groups within our community we
program for.
**Breakout #2 Bold Leadership:** A conversation with Board member alumni
about their leadership journey before, during and after serving on the Board
and how they continue to stay involved in the community.
**Session 2: Getting to Know the Jewish Federation**
**March 18 | | 6:30 – 8:30 PM**
Next is an intimate conversation with Federation’s CEO, Steven Ingber. Learn
about Federation’s work as an umbrella organization that supports 17 local and
overseas Jewish agencies. You’ll also have the chance to take a closer look at
one of our internal departments or explore the work of our agencies more in
depth.
**Breakout #1 I & O:** A conversation with our Israel and Overseas (I & O)
team about how they connect Detroiters to Israel and the impact Federation
makes in Jewish communities around the world.
**Breakout #2 Partner Agencies:** A conversation with professionals and
NEXTGen Detroit Liasons from four of Federation’s partner agencies about the
work that they do and the people that they serve.
**Session 3: Where does the Money Go? And What’s NEXT?**
**March 26 | | 6:30 – 8:30 PM**
Federation’s Annual Campaign raises millions of dollars to support local and
international causes. But how do we decide who gets a piece of the pie and how
much? In this session, you’ll learn about Federation’s allocation process and
take part in an exercise to see how you would distribute funds to those in
need. You’ll also get a chance to explore how you can get involved with the
Federation and NEXTGen Detroit in a “career fair” style experience and let us
help you find a meaningful opportunity.
**Food will be served at each session.**
Thank you to our 2026 Federation Insider Co-Chairs:
Mara Levine
Emily Elconin
Arie Zeidner
**_Federation Insider is intended to be a series of conversations, so we ask
that you attend all three sessions._**
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14561

Healthy Boundaries and Happy Holidays: Practical Insight for Managing Family and Festivities
2026-03-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Aish Detroit 25725 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park
We love ‘em, but sometimes the fam can be a little problematic. With spring
holidays fast approaching, we wanted to give you some practical pointers to
help ensure family time is enjoyable during the holidays including
establishing healthy boundaries, managing expectations and handling the
occasional conflict. We have three pros (Rabbi Yoni Dahlen of Congregation
Shaarey Zedek, Karen Gordon, LMSW, LCSW and Julie Ohana, LMSW) who will lead
us through some conversations tackling a few of the touchiest topics. No
pressure to share, feel free just to listen and take it in. But before we get
into it, we’ll roll up our sleeves and get in the kitchen with Julie Ohana of
Culinary Art Therapy to create a charoset that’s sure to wow at your family’s
seder table.
$10 per person includes charoset making workshop and a NEXTGen Detroit
cookbook.
Dietary laws observed.
This event is intended for young adults ages 21 to 39.
Thank you to our event co-chairs: Amanda Polk and Shelby Miller
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14811

A Game Show Battle for the 20s Crowd
2026-03-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Game Show Battle Rooms – Detroit (Troy) 750 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy
C’mon on down to the new Game Show Battle Rooms in Troy for some friendly
competition with your fellow 20-somethings. We’ll battle it out in their
Classic Showdowns, seeing how we score in Survey Battles, Spin and Solve and
What’s that Cost. But before picking up the buzzers, we’ll have a little happy
hour to kick off the evening starting at 6:30 PM. The games will start
promptly at 7:30 PM.
$25 includes one drink ticket and games.
“Cashless” cash bar available, so bring your plastic.
**Note:** Prior to arrival,[ this waiver must be filled
out.](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5c473bb934d6a/web/)
**This event is intended for young Jewish adults in their 20s. **
Please RSVP by March 20.
Thank you to our Leadership:
Meredith Berlin, Karlee Goodwin and Gillian Porter, Event Co-Chairs
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14970

A Game Show Battle for the 30s Crowd
2026-03-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Game Show Battle Rooms – Detroit (Troy) 750 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy
C’mon down to the new Game Show Battle Rooms in Troy for some friendly
competition with your fellow 30-somethings. We’ll battle it out in their
Primetime Showdowns game room, seeing how we score in Survey Battles, Match-Up
Wars and the Time Rush Games. But before picking up the buzzers, we’ll have a
little happy hour to kick off the evening starting at 6:30 PM. The games will
start promptly at 7:30 PM.
$25 includes one drink ticket and games.
“Cashless” cash bar available, so bring your plastic.
**Note:** Prior to arrival, (https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5c473bb934d6a/web/)
**This event is intended for young Jewish adults in their 30s. **
Please RSVP by March 20.
Thank you to our Leadership:
Meredith Berlin, Karlee Goodwin and Gillian Porter, Event Co-Chairs
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14971

L’Chaim, Detroit! at Sidecar Slider Bar in Birmingham
2026-04-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Sidecar Slider Bar – Birmingham 117 Willits St, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Every month we meet up at a local watering hole, and you are always invited!
Grab a friend or come solo and make some new pals. Register in advance for $10
and your first drink is on us! This month, we’re heading to Sidecar Slider Bar
in Birmingham.
Register online before April 15 to receive a drink ticket.
$10 includes one drink ticket and kosher-style bar apps.
This event is intended for young adults ages 21 to 39.
Thank you to our event co-chairs:
Meredith Berlin
Jane Borenstein
Jacob B Gordon
Matthew Luckoff
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15361

EPIC StepUp: The Premiere Dinner
2026-04-24 18:00 - 21:00 | The Rust Belt Market 22801 Woodward Ave, Ferndale
Please join NEXTGen Detroit’s Ben-Gurion and Herzl Societies as we welcome in
Shabbat and celebrate the launch of the EPIC StepUp Program at the Inaugural
Dinner. Enjoy a cocktail hour, family-style Friday night dinner of classic
Jewish favorites and our special guest comedian, podcast host and writer Eitan
Levine
((https://www.instagram.com/eitanthegoalie?igsh=MThmd3U0cmZnb3kxNA==)).
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow young Jewish adults who are
deeply committed to ensuring a vibrant Jewish future here in Detroit, Israel
and around the world through their support in the Federation’s Annual
Campaign.
6 – 7 PM: Cocktail Hour | Explore the Market | Meet & Greet with Eitan Levine
7 – 9 PM: Dinner and Program
Dietary laws observed.
Snappy casual attire suggested.
This event is intended for households who have committed to the EPIC StepUP
program or have already made a BGS or Herzl Society level gift to the
Federation’s 2026 Annual Campaign.
**About EPIC StepUP**
The EPIC StepUp program is a pathway for welcoming and cultivating the next
generation of Ben-Gurion Society (BGS) donors. EPIC StepUp invites
participants to “step up” their giving over three years, with a clear and
achievable plan: year one: a $500 gift, year two: a $750 gift and year three:
a $1,000 BGS-level gift to the Federation’s Annual Campaign. From the moment
they join, EPIC StepUp participants are recognized and celebrated as BGS
donors, with access to all BGS community experiences. **EPIC StepUp is brought
to the community by Sue and Alan J. Kaufman & Family**.
**Thank you to Our Leadership**
_Event Chairs:_
Alec Cherrin
Natalie Gordon
Molly Moss
Jonah Newman
Gage Wakula
_NEXTGen Detroit President_
Andrew Luckoff
_NEXTGen Detroit President Elect_
Abigail Epstein
_NEXTGen Detroit Immediate Past President_
Spencer Lucker
_NEXTGen Detroit Campaign VPs_
Erica Dovitz, Nicole MacWilliams, Andrew Moss and Blair Thoenes
_BGS Co-Chairs_
Jacob R. Gordon and Taylor Weintraub
**Thank you to Our Sponsors**
**Presenter**
The Sue and Alan J. Kaufman & Family
Burns & Wilcox
Kaufman Financial Group
**Leader**
AJM Packaging
**Advocate**
Erin & Jonathan Modiano
LARC Properties
**Friend**
Civic Companies
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15223

Preparing for the Unexpected: A Conversation with the Pros about Life Planning
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Platform18 116 E 7th St, Royal Oak
Adulting, like real adulting, is no joke. Beyond paying the bills and showing
up for work, there’s planning for the future — and it’s not all intuitive.
That’s why we’ve invited several professionals together to help us get started
on some of the trickier parts of planning for the years ahead. We’ll be
talking about everything from wills and guardianship to insurance and
investments, even end of life wishes. We’ll also tackle the difficult topic of
caring for older adults, be it your parents or grandparents, and what role you
can play in ensuring their wishes are respected and everything is in order.
These topics apply to many ages and stages of life. Our goal is to have you
leave with more insight and resources to help you make big decisions and set
you and your family up for success.
The pros on our panel will include:
Abigail Berlin, LMSW: Psychotherapist & Hospital Social Worker, Berlin Therapy
PLLC
Carly Pickel, CFP, CPFA, CSRIC: Vice President, Wealth Management Advisor
Michelle A. Rubin, Attorney: Partner, Taft Law
$10 per person. Dinner will be provided.
This event is intended for young adults ages 21 to 39.
Thank you to our event chairs: Daniel Cohen, Jeremy Rosenberg and Alana Silver
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15313
