Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit

Startup Nation Teens
2026-04-16 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-04-23 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-04-30 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-05-07 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Temple Israel 5725 Walnut Lake 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

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

Yom HaZikaron: Israel's Memorial Day
2026-04-20 19:00 - 20:00 | The Berman Center For The Performing Arts 6600 W Maple Rd, West Bloomfield
**Doors open at 6:30PM.**
Join our community for Yom HaZikaron—an evening of remembrance and reflection
at a moment of deep significance.
As the people of Israel once again face the harsh realities of
conflict—sirens, separation, loss, and grief—this Memorial Day carries added
weight. Together, we stand in solidarity with those who continue to choose
life, resilience, and hope amid profound loss.
We will honor fallen soldiers and victims of terror and pay tribute to those
left behind who continue living and moving forward, finding the strength to
build lives of purpose and hope after loss.
Guests are invited to arrive early to view an exhibit reflecting The Strength
to Rise, created by our community Shinshinim and their students. Following the
program, join the Shinshinim for שרים וזוכרים— Singing and Remembering—a Yom
HaZikaron tradition of coming together through song.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14983

Helping to Make a House a Home with Humble Design
2026-04-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Humble Design Detroit 21420 Melrose Ave, 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.**
WP’s Tikkun Olam Volunteers (TOV) is so excited to be teaming up with the
folks at Humble Design for a fun and meaningful hands-on volunteer opportunity
at their warehouse. Join TOV as we sort, organize, clean, paint and measure
donated items, all part of the process of making a house a home for the many
individuals Humble Design helps. If you’re not familiar with their amazing
work, Humble Design transform lives by furnishing homes for families and
individuals transitioning out of homelessness and into stable housing. Their
team creates warm, welcoming environments that empower these families to
rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. We are so thrilled to be lending a
hand!
There is no cost to attend this volunteer opportunity. But we ask that you
register online by April 15.
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
You can learn more about Humble Design at
(https://www.humbledesign.org/)
**Thank You to Our Leadership**
Robyn Glasser and Elana Miodownik: TOV Co- Chairs
Jennifer Ostroff and Nancy Shapero: TOV Event Chairs
Nancy Glen, WP President
Shelly Rubenfire, WP Campaign Chair
Ilana Liss, WP Vice President
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15245

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

Snapshot of History: Picture Yourself in History. Literally.
2026-04-26 12:00 - 17:00 | Temple Beth El 7400 Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills
The Jampel Center invites you to step into the story of photography, and
you’re the star! Explore how photography has evolved through an interactive
exhibit featuring authentic images from our Jewish community archives. As you
move through photo history, you’ll jump in front of the lens. Pop in the photo
booth, snap a pic with a polaroid camera, get a professional, vintage-style
family portrait, have your face printed on a cookie instantly, pose for an
authentic tintype and more!
**And picture this! **
Community partners will share historical photographs from their own archival
collections and offer interactive activities that bring the stories behind the
images to life.
**Experience Tintype Photography (Optional)**
Step into the 1850s with tintype photography—a historic process that creates a
one-of-a-kind portrait on metal, full of texture, depth, and old‑world charm.
Detroit Tintype (detroittintype.com) will offer a limited number of tintype
sessions for $54 (regularly $125). Just 15 spots available to take part in
this rare historic photo experience.
Take a shot and join us for an event that will be fun for all!
$10 single ticket (13 and older)
$5 (12 and under)
$25 for a family (two adults and up to 4 children)
Free for Friends of the Jampel Center. (https://jewishdetroit.org/friends-of-archives/).
(Optional) Detroit Tintype Add‑On: $54
**Please note the following tintype conditions: **
* Tintype add-on is limited to 15 sessions. **Please select your timeslot in the Add-Ons section as you select your ticket type. **
* Tintypes may include up to two people per image.
* A general event ticket is required to purchase the tintype add-on.
* A timed slot is required for tintype sessions; late arrivals will forfeit their slot. General exhibit admission may be before or after your scheduled time.
* Finished tintypes will not be available onsite and must be picked up at Temple Beth El at a later date.
The Joan Meyers Jampel Center for Michigan Jewish Heritage is home to the
Rabbi Leo M. Franklin Archives of Temple Beth El and the Leonard N. Simons
Jewish Community Archives of the Jewish Federation of Detroit.
**Thank You to Our Supporters and Community Partners:**
**Supporters:**
Jewish Federation of Detroit
Temple Beth El
Hermelin Davidson Center for Congregational Excellence
**Participating Community Partners:**
Farber Hebrew Day School
Hebrew Free Loan
Jarc
Jewish Federation of Detroit: NEXTGen Detroit
Jewish Federation of Detroit: Women’s Philanthropy
Jewish Senior Life
Jewish War Veterans Department of Michigan
National Council of Jewish Women
Tamarack Camps
Temple Beth El Sisterhood and Brotherhood
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15141

When Heroes Wear Capes: An Inspiring Evening with @TheJewishFitnessCoach
2026-04-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Hillel Day School 32200 Middlebelt Rd, Farmington Hills
If a marathon runner dressed head-to-toe as Bat Man has showed up on your
social feed, then Yoel Levy has made his way to you. And you are not alone,
Yoel’s handle, @TheJewishFitnessCoach, has over 255K followers who engage with
him as he travels the world running races as Bat Man to honor Ariel and Kfir
Bibas and their love of the iconic super hero. But Yoel’s story goes beyond
the mask and cape. As a child, he struggled with dyslexia and speech
challenges, ultimately using movement and fitness to gain confidence and
overcome obstacles. Followers also know that he is a proud and dotting big
brother to his sister Hannah who has special needs.
Yoel will be joining us for an inspiring talk with ample time for Q&A. He’ll
share his personal story as well as touch on topics of resilience, Jewish
identity and visibility, and what it means to show up proudly as a Jew, both
on and offline. This honest and inspiring conversation is appropriate and
applicable for teens and adults. We hope you will join us!
**Donor Ticket:**
$18 per adult (21+) if your household has made a gift to Federation’s 2026
Annual Campaign. **If you are not yet a donor, you can become one today and
select our donor ticket price option. **
**Non-Donor Ticket:**
$36 per adult (21+).
**Student Ticket: **
$10 (5th grade to college, 20 and under).
Please register in advance by April 27.
Thank you to our Leadership:
Lindsay Hords and Jessica Migliore, Event Co-Chairs
Affinities Leadership:
Jayme Kirschner and Danny Singer, Affinities Department Co-Chairs
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15300

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

Flourish Together: A Chance to Create and Give Back
2026-04-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Olive’s Bloombox 262 W Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale
Young Women’s Philanthropy is heading to Olive’s Bloombox in Ferndale for an
evening of arranging tabletop bouquets to ring in spring and spread some love.
We’ll be making two small vase arrangements, one to keep (or gift) and one to
share with a spouse, partner or loved one of a member of the Jewish Community
Security, Inc. (JCSI) team and other security personnel in the community. We
know many in our community are looking for ways to thank those who keep our
institutions safe, and we thought this would be a great way to show our
appreciation.
$36 includes flower arrangement, light bites and drinks.
**Kosher options are available upon request. **
This event is intended for women in their 30s and 40s.
Thank you to our Leadership:
Young Women’s Philanthropy Chairs: Lisa Rothberger and Emily Slabotsky
Event Co-Chairs: Erica Dovitz and Lauren Midelton
WP VP: Emily Hunegs
WP President: Nancy Glen
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15356

Yom Ha’Atzmaut: Singing Is Believing
2026-05-04 17:30 - 20:30 | Congregation Shaarey Zedek 27375 Bell Rd, Southfield
Join us this May 4th, the eve of Lag BaOmer, for a joyful celebration of
Israel’s 78th Independence Day through music, connection and the spirit of
Klal Yisrael. At a time of profound challenges and uncertainty for Israel,
moments like these bring us together to lift our voices and reaffirm what
unites us all.
This family-friendly event culminates in an unforgettable, interactive musical
experience with the Israeli group Koolulam—world‑renowned for turning
audiences into a single, soaring chorus.
The evening will feature something for everyone, including:
* A community fair with Israel-themed crafts and activities
* Games and activities led by the Shinshinim
* Dinner featuring Israeli favorites (dietary laws observed)
* Israel-themed giveaways
* A moving mass sing-along with Koolulam
Come dressed in white and blue as we raise our voices and celebrate Yom
Ha’Atzmaut in a fun and spirited way for the entire family.
$18 per person
$50 family (2 adults and up to 5 kids)
Ages 5 and under are free
**About Koolulam** https://www.koolulam.com/en/brings people together through a mass
singing experience; empowering the audience to raise their voices In joy and
harmony. The result is an awe-inspiring immersive and fun journey that builds
connections between people. See what millions of people all over the world are
raving about! Join in the fun where The AUDIENCE IS THE STAR!
**Thank You to Our Event Sponsors**
**Chesed**
Couzens Lansky
MASA Israel Journey
**Arevut**
American Technion Society
Marvin & Betty Danto Health Care Center
Paycom
Prince Concepts
Uniprop
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/14960

WP's 2026 Annual Meeting: Celebrating 80 Years of Women Making an Impact in Jewish Detroit
2026-05-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Congregation Shaarey Zedek 27375 Bell Rd, Southfield
WP is celebrating eight incredible decades of Jewish women in Detroit coming
together to make a difference. While much has changed over the last 80 years,
our commitment to this community and helping Jews around the world has
remained steadfast. Join us as we commemorate the resilience, strength and
determination that has allowed Women’s Philanthropy to thrive; and embrace the
Jewish joy, love, humor and friendships that have made the work and the
mission a true pleasure along the way.
This year’s meeting will include our appreciation of outgoing President Nancy
Glen and the installation of Shelly Rubenfire, President-Elect.
The Marion Freedman Women’s Philanthropy Volunteer Award will be presented to
this year’s honoree, Sylvia Sherman.
$36 per person includes dessert and wine.
View event on Jlive: https://jlive.app/events/15343
