Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit

Boker Tov, Detroit! at The Ferndale Project
2025-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit) | Ferndale Project 567 Livernois, Ferndale
If happy hour and Sunday morning had a baby, it’d be Boker Tov, Detroit! Start
your Sunday Funday with a great cup of coffee, laid-back vibes, and some
casual mingling with fellow Jewish young adults. We’re taking over The
Ferndale Project for a chill morning hangout—complete with breakfast treats
and caffeinated drinks.
$5 per person when you pre-register.
$10 at the door.
Ticket price includes coffee and light breakfast.
Dietary laws observed.
This event is intended for young adults ages 21 to 39.
Thanks to our event co-chairs: Samantha Vine and Jared Sherman
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13514

An Imprint with Impact: Hat Burning with AR Workshop at the Gesher Clubhouse
2025-11-20 18:30 - 21:00 | Clubhouse for the Common Good – Gesher Human Services 23800 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield
Calling all DIYers and fashion lovers: join Young Women’s Philanthropy for a
ladies night out of making some fall fashion and learning about a vital
program in our community that is supported by the work of Women’s Philanthropy
and the Jewish Federation! We’re taking a hat burning workshop with the
artistic pros at AR Workshop and transforming their stylish hats with a
personalized burning technique. Choose your hat color and dive into the
creative process, opting between stencil or freehand methods. It’s all taking
place at one of our community’s hidden gems — The Clubhouse for the Common
Good, housed in the Lois and Milton Y. Zussman Center. The Clubhouse was
designed by and for individuals with a mental health diagnosis who seek a
welcoming and engaging community atmosphere where they can enjoy social and
cultural activities, educational classes, culinary experiences, vocational
support, and volunteer opportunities.
$70 per person includes hat, workshop and supplies, light bites and drinks.
Refreshments will be kosher-style with a certified kosher option available
upon request.
This event is intended for Jewish women in their 30s and 40s.
Please RSVP in advance by November 13.
**Thank you to our Leadership:**
Lisa Rothberger and Emily Slabotsky, YWP Co-Chairs
Maddi Luckoff and Erin Simmerman, Event Chairs
Emily Hunegs, WP Vice President
Nancy Glen, WP President
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13349

Oy, What a Night!
2025-11-26 20:00 - 23:00, 2025-11-26 20:00 - 2025-11-27 01:00 | Daxton Hotel 298 S Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Thanksgiving Eve is known for being the booziest and schmooziest night of the
year, and we’re here for it! In true NEXTGen Detroit fashion, we’re keeping
all the fun of this annual tradition, but upping the experience (hello,
Daxton…bye, Roosevelts) and adding in an opportunity to make a meaningful
impact. No standing in a line wrapped around the block to get into the bar
this year — you’re walking right up to that velvet rope for a Thanksgiving Eve
reunion with all your favorite hometown homies. We’ll be making l’chaims,
noshing, connecting _and _supporting the work of the Jewish Federation and
its Annual Campaign.
**$20 per person until October 16 **includes two drink tickets and lite
bites.
In addition to the cost of a ticket, a minimum donation of **$36** to the
Jewish Federation’s 2026 Annual Campaign is required to attend this event.
**Your ticket purchase helps to cover the cost of the event, but your donation
to the Annual Campaign goes directly to support the work of the Jewish
Federation and our 16 local and international partner agencies. You can learn
more about how your $36 will impact countless lives
**(https://jfmdorg.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-
content/uploads/2025/09/15152615/25_JFD_Annual-Report_DIGITAL-r.pdf)**.**
Additional drink tickets available for $6 each.
**Ticket prices after October 16th:**
$30 per person from October 17 – November 6.
$40 per person from November 7 – November 19.
$50 per person from November 20 – November 26.
If you have already made a donation to Federation’s 2026 Annual Campaign,
please reach out to Ryan Otis at
(https://mailto:otis@jewishdetroit.org) for a
specialized code to fully waive the donation fee.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13312

Rebel Jews at MI-Combat Tactical Laser Tag
2025-12-03 18:00 - 20:30, 2025-12-03 18:30 - 20:30 | MI-Combat 29380 John R Rd, Madison Heights
Welcome to Rebel Jews! We’re on a mission to find the Jewish thrill-seekers,
boundary-breakers and dare devils of Metro Detroit — and do what they do!
Bring your sense of adventure, because we’re hanging up our Good Jewish
Boy/Girl/Person hats and doing something _meshugana_ for a change.
On this edition of Rebel Jews, we’re putting down our space lasers and picking
up our laser guns. But seriously folks, forget the black light meets neon duct
tape laser tag of your youth, this is a serious simulation. MI-Combat Tactical
Laser Tag is not for the timid. We’ll be jumping into an immersive gaming
experience, competing in thrilling missions on Hollywood style sets and using
realistic equipment with live noise and recoil. So, are you ready for combat?
$35 per person includes dinner and combat.
Certified kosher option available upon request.
Closed-toe shoes are required and athletic wear is recommended.
A minimum donation of $36 to Federation’s 2026 Annual Campaign is suggested to
attend this event.
This event is intended for young adults ages 21 to 39.
Thank you to our event co-chairs:
Noah Cohen, Sydney Yates and Adam York
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13587

Talking (Sweet) Shop: Noshing and Networking at Think Sweet
2025-12-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Think Sweet 32902 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills
Join NEXTWork, NEXTGen Detroit and Gesher’s top-shelf networking program at
Think Sweet, a joyful new addition to Metro Detroit’s kosher food scene. Owned
by Jack and Kayla Hazan, Think Sweet is a candy and treat destination born
from a simple but ambitious vision: create a place where people from all
backgrounds can enjoy a wide selection of kosher sweets, served with a warm
welcome. Treat yourself to top-tier networking while you build your own candy
bag and sample one of their signature slushies. You’ll also hear from Jack
about his inspiration for the store and what having a Jewish, family-owned
business means to him.
$18 includes networking, candy bag and signature slushie
Please RSVP no later than December 8.
Thank you to our Event Chairs:
Emily Elconin
Daniel Snyder
Arie Zeidner
**About Jack Hazan**
Jack Hazan is a Brooklyn-born entrepreneur who relocated to the Detroit area
with his wife, Kayla and their two children. With a background in marketing,
retail and wholesale spanning some 20 + years, he recognized a gap in the
local community’s sweet-treat landscape: a place where families****all
backgrounds****and those with dietary restrictions could enjoy candy and
confections in a welcoming, inclusive setting. Guided by his love of New
York’s vibrant kosher food scene, Jack founded Think Sweet to blend his retail
expertise with his passion for creating a joyful community space. The result:
a candy shop that is both a retail experience and a gathering spot bursting
with color, fun, and a sense of belonging.
**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/13513

Chanukah Babka Bake with Mandylicious
2025-12-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Temple Beth El 7400 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills
Mandylicious is coming to Detroit just in time to help us create something
extra special for our Chanukah spreads. Get ready to shape and sprinkle
festive and delicious Chanukah babkas with Instagram’s favorite baker putting
creative new twists on Jewish classics and make sweet holiday treats with you.
Bring along your kids and grandkids ages 12+ and make it a family fun night.
We will also have a TOV (Tikkun Olam Volunteers) station where you can pack
Chanukah parcels for Jewish seniors living in non-Jewish skilled nursing and
rehab facilities. Please arrive on time, our program with Mandy will begin
promptly at 6:45 PM.
$50 per adult. Kids 12+ are an additional $10 each. Ticket includes two babkas
per adult/family.
Please register in advance by December 3.
Dietary laws observed.
**More About Mandy**
Mandy Silverman founded Mandylicious in 2013 in Sharon, MA. Since then, she
has created over 300 unique challah and babka recipes and has developed a
worldwide following, including over 75,000 Instagram followers. Check out her
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mandyliciouschallah/).
**Thank you to our leadership:**
Andrea Belen, Jennifer Fishkind, Amye Goldhaber, Event Co-Chairs
Nancy Glen, WP President
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13432

Light Through Art: A Chanukah Lighting With Israeli Artists
2025-12-15 17:00 - 18:30 | Adat Shalom Synagogue 29901 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills
Join us on the second night of Chanukah for a heartfelt evening celebrating
Israeli creativity, resilience and light.
Light Through Art: A Chanukah Lighting with Israeli Artists brings together
six Israeli artists for an intimate exhibit and sale of original works. In
this meet-and-greet setting, you’ll hear how the events of October 7th and the
war in Gaza have shaped their art and their lives.
We’ll close the evening by lighting the menorah together—a shared moment of
hope, resilience and solidarity through art.
Evening highlights:
* Meet six Israeli artists and hear their stories
* Explore and purchase original Israeli artwork
* Light the menorah for the second night of Chanukah
* Enjoy drinks and light Chanukah refreshments
* Connect in a warm, casual setting
This event is designed for art lovers and supporters of Israel seeking
inspiration and connection. Space is limited. RSVP now to be part of this
special evening.
To learn more about our featured artists, please download the PDF linked
(https://jfmdorg.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-
content/uploads/2025/11/12122906/Israeli-Artists-bios-2-1.pdf).
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13522

Newish and Jewish L'Chaim Detroit at Barkside
2026-01-15 18:00 - 20:30 | Barkside Southfield 15640 W Eleven Mile Rd, Southfield
Hey, welcome to Metro Detroit! Whether you’re just passing through or looking
to make the Motor City home, you picked a great place to hang your hat. We’d
love to welcome you and connect you with other newish and Jewish young adults
and everything the NEXTGen Detroit community has to offer. Meet us at Barkside
in Southfield for cool cocktails, casual mingling and tail-wagging fun. If
you’ve got a dog, bring ’em along — but if not, no worries, just bring
yourself!
$8 per person includes one drink ticket.
If you are bringing a pup please complete the following forms:
**Waiver:**(https://form.jotform.com/232984202857160)
**Registration:**(https://barksidedogbar.portal.gingrapp.com/#/public/new_customer)
Thank you to our event co-chairs: Gianni Carli, Rachel Edelman and Andrew
Klein
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14004

Lessons from Israel's Frontlines: Learning from Iron Sword Brain Injuries with Dr. Guy Rosenthal
2026-01-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Michigan Design Center 1700 Stutz Dr, Troy
Join Federation’s Maimonides Society for an evening with Dr. Guy Rosenthal,
renowned neurosurgeon and the Director of Neurotrauma and Neurocritical Care,
Department of Neurosurgery at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center in
Jerusalem.
Dr. Rosenthal will discuss his experience in Israel with brain injured war
casualties from October 7 onward. Just a month before the war broke out, he
was involved in the group that formulated the new Guidelines for Penetrating
Traumatic Brain Injuries in Bethesda at the initiative of the U.S. Department
of Defense. Dr. Rosenthal will share how Israel used the draft of the
Guidelines to coordinate care across centers in Israel and has collected data
from four neurosurgical centers on severely brain injured patients from the
war.
$36 includes presentation by Dr. Rosenthal, cocktails, appetizers and
desserts.
Dietary laws observed.
Spouses are welcome.
Please RSVP by January 13, 2026.
In addition to the cost of a ticket, we ask that all attendees who have not
done so already, please give a gift to Federation’s 2026 Annual Campaign.
**Thank you to our Leadership**
Maimonides Society Co-Chairs:
Dr. David Siegel and Dr. Brooke Weingarden
Affinities Department Co-Chairs:
Dr. Danny Singer and Jayme Kirschner
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13946

Pack It Forward: A Volunteer Opportunity with Detroit Chesed
2026-01-21 18:15 - 19:45 | Detroit Chesed Project 30555 Southfield Rd, Southfield
**This event is now sold out. If you would like to be put on the waitlist
please email Amy Wayne at awayne@jewishdetroit.org.**
Join Women’s Philanthropy’s Tikkun Olam Volunteers (TOV) at the Detroit Chesed
in Southfield for an evening of packing it forward! Together, we’ll assemble
packages of Shabbat food that will be delivered to local families that very
evening, prepare baby supply bundles for the Baby Boom program, and create
care packages for women in the hospital to help make their stay a bit more
comfortable.
You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the many ways Detroit Chesed helps
families in Jewish Detroit. Bring your friends and help us brighten someone’s
day — let’s get packing!
There is no cost to attend this event, however, we ask that you kindly RSVP by
January 12.
**Thank you to our Leadership**
Elana Miodownik and Robyn Glasser, TOV Chairs
Jessica Klein and Erin Stiebel, Event Chairs
Nancy Glen, WP President
Shelly Rubenfire, WP Campaign Chair
Ilana Liss, WP Vice President
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13832

Choosing Light Over Darkness: An evening with Iris and Tuval Haim
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:30
Iris and Tuval Haim are the mother and brother of **Yotam Haim z”l**, who was
taken hostage from Kfar Aza on October 7 and, after 70 days in Gaza, was
tragically killed by IDF fire. We invite you to join us to hear their
remarkable story and to experience Tuval’s moving music, created in loving
memory of his brother.
_“We cannot choose what happens to us, but we can choose who we become because
of it.”_
Even after receiving the devastating news of Yotam’s death, Iris chose
resilience. Turning her pain into purpose and her grief into a source of
healing for others. Her courage calls us to come together, to listen and to
honor.
This event is coming up and space is limited. Please reserve your seat today.
**Due to the sensitive nature of this program’s content, it is recommended for
ages 16 and older. **
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14237

Mindfulness Uncorked
2026-01-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Jarrad Heaslip Gallery 22100 Woodward Ave, Ferndale
Join us for an evening of slowing down, sitting back and letting our senses
shape our experience. We’re settling in for a wine tasting with sommelier
Michelle Turnbull, who will not only introduce us to some delicious wines
(several of which are from Detroit’s Partnership2gether Region in Israel), but
also guide us in exploring how smell, taste and sound can shift the way we
perceive experiences — even those as simple as a sip of wine. It’s all
happening in the newly opened Tacon-Heaslip Gallery in Ferndale. If you’re
looking for a gals night out with a great wine list and a side of mindfulness,
we’ve got you covered.
$50 per person includes wine tasting with Michelle (featuring wines from the
Federation’s partner region) and light bites.
Kosher options are available upon request.
This event is intended for women in their 30s and 40s.
**More About Michelle**
Michelle Turnbull works in Leadership Development at the Jewish Federation of
Detroit and is a sommelier with a love for making wine approachable. Before
entering Jewish communal service in 2021, she spent nearly two decades in
high-end hospitality including seven years as the GM of a winery. Michelle
earned her WSET Advanced certification in 2017 and has traveled to wine
regions across the world. She’s known for helping people think about wine in
new, creative ways, and for reminding everyone that the only good wines are
the ones that they like.
**Thank you to our Leadership**
Lisa Rothberger and Emily Slabotsky, YWP Co-Chairs
Kara Schuchman and Shelby Schostak, Event Co-Chairs
Emily Hunegs, WP Vice President
Nancy Glen, WP President
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/13979

Painting (and Dating) with a Twist
2026-01-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Painting with a Twist 200 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale
We’re tapping in to our inner artists at this upcoming Interfaith Couples
event. Join us at Painting with a Twist in Ferndale and connect with other
young adult interfaith couples as we enjoy some wine, dessert and put our
painting skills to the test. We’ll also have a meaningful discussion about
navigating the joys, challenges and surprises of being in an interfaith
relationship.
$60 per couple includes painting workshop and your finished masterpiece, wine
and desserts.
Space is limited. Please RSVP by January 26.
This event is open to young adult couples, married or dating, in which one
partner identifies as Jewish.
**Thank you to our Leadership**
Event Chairs: Morgan Katz and Billy Wiseman
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14003

Lunch & Learn. Hinenu: Israel at Ten Million with Dave Shlachter
2026-02-02 12:00 - 13:30 | Max M. Fisher Federation Building 6735 Telegraph Rd,
Join us for a special Lunch & Learn with photographer and author David
Shlachter as he presents Hinenu: Israel at Ten Million—a beautiful
coffee‑table book that captures Israel through the lives of 100 individuals at
the moment the country reached a population of ten million. Spanning sabras
and immigrants, Jews and Arabs, religious and secular Israelis, elders and
children —and amid war, political division and deep national uncertainty—the
book traces the extraordinary diversity that has emerged since Israel’s
founding in 1948.
At its core, Hinenu _ _(Hebrew for “Here we are”) is an expression of
gratitude and peoplehood. A portrait of a society still becoming itself, and a
call to listen to one another with curiosity and care._ _
A kosher light lunch will be provided. Tickets are $10. Space is limited, so
please register by January 28.
**Book will be available for purchase at the event at a special price of $48,
a 25% discount. **
Thanks to:
I&O Israel Programming Committee
Michal Nodel, Program Chair
**About the Author**
Dave Shlachter, a Harvard graduate, has worked everywhere from Supreme Courts
to city buses. Early in his career, he helped build South Asia’s first court-
affiliated mediation center in New Delhi, learning that resolving conflict
begins with understanding people. Later, his award-winning graduate thesis on
electrifying Rwanda’s bus fleet sharpened his ability to listen across vastly
different worlds. Today, Dave brings that same curiosity to Israel. After
moving to Tel Aviv with his family, he set out to photograph and interview 100
Israelis — focusing not on politics, but on human stories. His new book is the
result: a powerful reminder that empathy starts with meeting people.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14199

Navigating History: Using Tech to Trace Your Roots
2026-02-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-11 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:00
Curious about your family history? Online tools can unlock incredible
stories—but only if you know how to search smart. Join archivists Robbie
Terman and Laura Gottlieb for a three-part Zoom series packed with practical
tips to make genealogy research easier and more rewarding.
**Session 1: February 4, 2026 @ 10:00 AM**
**Navigating Newspapers**
Old newspapers are full of hidden gems. Learn how to dig through digital
archives and find the headlines that matter to your family story.
**Session 2: February 11, 2026 @ 10:00 AM**
**Navigating Archives**
Archives hold treasures you won’t find anywhere else. Discover what’s inside,
how to access it and how to search like a pro.
**Session 3: February 18, 2026 @ 10:00 AM**
**Navigating Online Genealogy Tools**
Ready to explore your roots? Whether you’re just starting out or want to
sharpen your skills, get hands-on tips for using popular genealogy sites and
uncovering meaningful connections.
**Cost:** $18 (FREE for Friends of the Jampel Center)
**Registration required.**
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14114
Click here to join the livestream. https://jfmd-org.zoom.us/j/81013766256?pwd=H87lBcXFlJTbw5PcKH5AD4479u2Bqt.1

From Cringe to Confidence: Mastering Authentic Networking
2026-02-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-02-23 18:00 - 20:00 | 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
(https://mailto:lschwartz@jewishdetroit.org) 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

Startup Nation Teens
2026-03-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Max M. Fisher Federation Building 6735 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills
**Build. Create. Innovate.**
**Israel Inspired Innovation Lab for Jewish High Schoolers (Grades 9–11).**
Discover how Israel became the Startup Nation through hands‑on sessions, real
startup stories and guest speakers—including leaders from top Israeli tech
companies.
* Meet innovators & explore Israeli startups
* Work in teams to build your own startup idea
* Identify a problem → design a solution → pitch your concept
* Learn creative thinking, teamwork & problem‑solving skills colleges value
* Facilitator: **Oded Benyamini** (Detroit Shinshin and alum of Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow)
**Save Your Spot. Limited to 20 people.**
$40 for all four sessions. Pizza dinners provided (kosher).
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14473

Federation Insider
2026-03-09 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-18 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

Little Legacies
2026-03-10 17:00 - 18:30 | Temple Beth El 7400 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills
Help your kids (or grandkids) _make history_!
We’re excited to invite students in **grades 3–5** to apply for the Little
Legacies Oral History Project, a chance to discover family stories and create
a keepsake your family will treasure.
Your student and their grandparent (or other older family member) will attend
an interactive workshop where they’ll learn how to conduct an amazing
oral‑history interview—just like a pro!
Then, they’ll sign up for a filming session (two dates available) with a
professional videographer to capture their story on camera.
**Best part?** Your family receives a copy of the interview, which will also
be preserved in the community archives.
**Requirements**
* Student must be in 3rd–5th grade
* Student and interviewee must attend both the workshop and one filming session. Filming will take place March 15 or March 22 between 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm by appointment. Each session lasts one hour, including a 30‑minute recording.
* Parent/guardian and interviewee must sign a filming release
Thanks to generous support from the Hermelin Davidson Center for
Congregational Excellence, this program is **free of charge**.
**APPLY TODAY** — space is limited!
This form serves as an application; Jampel Center staff will follow up to
confirm participation. If spots fill, we’ll create a waitlist.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14596

The Signature Event
2026-03-11 18:30 - 21:30 | Temple Israel 5725 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield
Our annual women-only event is a not-to-be-missed celebration of the local and
global impact that the Jewish women of Detroit make through their support of
Federation’s Annual Campaign. This year, we are leaning into our Jewish joy
and ready to treat you to a colorful and inspiring evening that we hope will
leave you craving even more community.
We are thrilled to welcome Melissa Ben-Ishay to the stage this year! Melissa
will share the story of building her brand and how her Jewish upbringing and
identity have shaped her path both personally and professionally. She’ll be
joined on stage by our moderator Lindsay Pinchuk, award-winning podcast host
of (https://www.dearfoundher.com/) and Detroit native.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14586

Startup Nation Teens
2026-03-16 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Max M. Fisher Federation Building 6735 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills
**Build. Create. Innovate.**
**Israel Inspired Innovation Lab for Jewish High Schoolers (Grades 9–11).**
Discover how Israel became the Startup Nation through hands‑on sessions, real
startup stories and guest speakers—including leaders from top Israeli tech
companies.
* Meet innovators & explore Israeli startups
* Work in teams to build your own startup idea
* Identify a problem → design a solution → pitch your concept
* Learn creative thinking, teamwork & problem‑solving skills colleges value
* Facilitator: **Oded Benyamini** (Detroit Shinshin and alum of Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow)
**Save Your Spot. Limited to 20 people.**
$40 for all four sessions. (4th session date TBD.)
Pizza dinners provided (kosher).
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14473

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
